How extracellular vimentin affects healing after cataract surgery
Official title: Molecular function of extracellular vimentin in regulating the response to lens wounding
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11045699 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called extracellular vimentin helps with healing after cataract surgery and how it might cause scarring, which can be a problem for some patients, to find better ways to help people recover smoothly after their surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $451,480 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035771-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045699 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are scheduled to undergo cataract surgery or have recently had the procedure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone cataract surgery or have other unrelated eye conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of extracellular vimentin (eVim) in the healing process following cataract surgery. It focuses on understanding how eVim is released into the environment after lens injury and how it interacts with cells to promote fibrosis, a common complication after surgery. By using an ex vivo model that mimics the conditions of lens fibrotic disease, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that regulate eVim's function and its impact on wound healing. This could lead to new insights into managing post-surgical complications in patients undergoing cataract surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients experiencing complications after cataract surgery, potentially reducing the incidence of fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the role of extracellular proteins in wound healing can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walker, Janice Lynn — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Walker, Janice Lynn
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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.