How corneal nerves help heal eye wounds and prevent blindness.
Official title: Mechanisms Governing Nerve-Mediated Control of Corneal Wound Healing: New Hope for Patients with Neurotrophic Keratopathy
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10860087 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the nerves in your eye help keep the surface healthy and heal wounds, especially for people with a condition called neurotrophic keratopathy, and it hopes to find new ways to treat this issue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $581,295 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036047-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10860087 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from neurotrophic keratopathy or those with corneal wounds that do not heal properly.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with corneal injuries unrelated to nerve damage or those with other eye conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of corneal nerves in regulating limbal stem cells, which are essential for maintaining the corneal surface and healing wounds. When these nerves are damaged, patients can develop nonhealing corneal wounds, leading to a condition called neurotrophic keratopathy. The study aims to identify the molecular mechanisms that govern the interaction between corneal nerves and stem cells, potentially leading to new topical treatments for affected patients. Using advanced techniques like single-cell analysis and animal models, the researchers will explore how nerve-associated cells support corneal health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve healing in patients with neurotrophic keratopathy and prevent vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms being investigated are novel, previous research has shown promise in understanding nerve interactions in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Borschel, Gregory Howard — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Borschel, Gregory Howard
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.