How the cornea defends against bacterial infections
Official title: Transient Receptor Potential Ion Channels and Corneal Defense Against Bacterial Adhesion
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11049800 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the outer layer of your eye, called the cornea, fights off common bacteria that can cause infections, and it aims to find new ways to help protect your eyes and improve treatments for conditions like bacterial keratitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $501,104 |
| NIH project number | 2R01EY030350-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049800 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of bacterial keratitis, particularly those with compromised corneal defenses or a history of recurrent eye infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial causes of eye infections or those who do not have any risk factors for bacterial keratitis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the cornea, the outer layer of the eye, protects itself from bacterial infections caused by common pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The study focuses on the role of specific ion channels in corneal nerves that help prevent these bacteria from adhering to the cornea. By understanding the mechanisms behind this natural resistance, the research aims to identify new strategies to enhance corneal defense and combat antibiotic-resistant infections. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for bacterial keratitis and related vision loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the cornea's natural defenses against bacterial infections, potentially reducing the incidence of vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding corneal defenses against bacterial infections, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fleiszig, Suzanne Mj — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Fleiszig, Suzanne Mj
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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.