How lacritin helps keep the eye surface healthy
Lacritin Regulation of Homeostasis and Ocular Surface Health
Looking at whether replacing a natural tear protein called lacritin can help people with dry eye, including severe Sjögren's-related dry eye, regain a healthy ocular surface.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158851 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on lacritin and its natural fragments (N-94 and N-94/C-6), proteins normally found in tears that appear reduced in many people with dry eye. The team uses lab studies with human corneal cells and genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens to find the receptor and key signaling steps that let lacritin restore cell health. They validated GPR87 as a top receptor candidate and are mapping the downstream signals that let lacritin protect and repair the surface of the eye. The work builds on a prior phase 2 trial where topical N-94/C-6 helped restore homeostasis in severe Sjögren's dry eye and aims to guide better lacritin-based treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic dry eye, especially those with severe disease such as Primary Sjögren's syndrome or evidence of low lacritin levels, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose eye problems are caused primarily by eyelid malposition, structural problems, or non-lacritin mechanisms may not benefit from lacritin-focused approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable new topical lacritin-based therapies that restore tear film balance and reduce symptoms for people with dry eye.
How similar studies have performed: A recent multi-center phase 2 randomized trial found topical N-94/C-6 restored ocular surface homeostasis in Primary Sjögren's dry eye, providing encouraging prior clinical evidence.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laurie, Gordon William — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Laurie, Gordon William
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 below.