How diabetes damages the cornea
Official title: A Novel Pathogenic Pathway for Diabetic Keratopathy
Funded at University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr · NIH-11259566 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at whether boosting a protein called PPARα (for example with the drug fenofibrate) can protect the cornea and its nerves in adults with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Worth, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2018 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $189,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY028949-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11259566 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with diabetes who have corneal symptoms—such as slow wound healing, reduced corneal sensitivity, or diagnosed diabetic keratopathy—would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical work.
✕Less likely to help
People without diabetes or those whose corneal problems are due to other causes (like trauma or infection) are unlikely to benefit from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
Researchers will examine corneal tissue from people with diabetes and from laboratory models to understand why diabetic corneas lose nerve fibers and heal poorly. They will measure PPARα levels, test how losing PPARα affects production of nerve-supporting factors, and use fenofibrate in cells and animals to see if it prevents damage. Laboratory studies will also look at inflammation, oxidative stress, and molecular pathways linking PPARα to corneal nerve health. The findings are intended to point toward treatments that protect corneal nerves and improve healing in people with diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that preserve corneal nerves, speed healing, and reduce vision problems caused by diabetic keratopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Large clinical trials showed fenofibrate helps diabetic retinopathy and early lab and animal studies support PPARα’s protective effects on corneal nerves, but direct clinical proof for corneal benefit is still limited.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
Fort Worth, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karamichos, Dimitrios — University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Karamichos, Dimitrios
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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.