How signaling guides the front part of the eye to form and heal
Elucidating signaling networks in Anterior Segment development, repair and diseases
Researchers are looking at how tiny cellular antennae called primary cilia help cells in the eye's front (cornea and nearby tissues) grow and repair, which could matter for people with congenital corneal problems and related glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179164 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses laboratory models to determine how primary cilia in neural crest–derived cells direct formation and repair of the cornea and other anterior segment structures. The team alters ciliary proteins in mice and tracks changes in cell behavior and signaling pathways—especially the Hedgehog pathway—using genetic tools, imaging, and molecular analyses. They will relate these findings to known human ciliopathies and genetic causes of anterior segment dysgenesis to connect basic biology to human disease. The aim is to map tissue-specific cilia functions that could point to future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with congenital anterior segment dysgenesis, congenital corneal opacity, early-onset glaucoma, or known ciliopathy syndromes (for example Bardet–Biedl or Joubert) would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated eye problems affecting the back of the eye (such as age-related macular degeneration) or non-eye systemic diseases are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal molecular targets to prevent or repair congenital anterior segment defects and reduce the risk of associated glaucoma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies, including the investigators' own work, showed that disrupting primary cilia in neural crest cells causes anterior segment defects, so this builds on promising preclinical findings though human therapies remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iomini, Carlo — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Iomini, Carlo
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.