How S100 proteins affect the eye lens and cataracts
Official title: Role of the S100 Family of Proteins in Lens Physiology and Cataract
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11138641 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether S100 proteins help keep the eye's lens clear and flexible for people with or at risk of cataracts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $402,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034450-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138641 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults with age-related or familial cataracts or people willing to donate lens tissue during cataract surgery for research.
✕Less likely to help
People who need immediate surgery to restore vision or whose eye problems are unrelated to lens protein changes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic research.
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the researchers are studying a family of calcium-binding proteins called S100 to see how they support lens structure and clarity. They will examine where different S100 proteins are found in the lens and use laboratory models (including mice) to see what happens when specific S100 proteins are missing or change. The team will study how these proteins interact with the cell's structural machinery (actin and non-muscle myosin II) and measure effects on lens clarity and mechanical properties. Findings will be used to understand why some lenses become cloudy with age and to point toward possible ways to prevent or slow cataract formation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new biological targets to prevent or delay cataracts and help preserve vision.
How similar studies have gone: Prior mouse work showed that loss of S100A4 can cause late-onset cataracts, but research into the broader role of the S100 protein family in lens health is still fairly new.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, P Vasantha — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Rao, P Vasantha
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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.