How the cornea's surface and inner layers communicate during healing and scarring
Corneal Epithelial-Stromal Interactions During Regeneration and Fibrosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · SCHEPENS EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE · NIH-11166509
Researchers are looking at how signals between the cornea's outer cells and deeper stroma change healing and scarring after eye injuries to help people with corneal wounds and vision loss from scarring.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SCHEPENS EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11166509 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies how the cornea's outer layer (epithelium) and the deeper stroma talk to each other after injury, focusing on signaling proteins called TGF-β isoforms and small extracellular vesicles released by epithelial cells. Scientists use lab-grown corneal cells and animal wound models to track myofibroblast formation and extracellular matrix buildup that lead to scarring. They test whether applying TGF-β3 or epithelial-derived extracellular vesicles can reduce fibrotic changes and reverse scarring seen with disruption of Bowman's layer. The aim is to map the molecular pathways that could be targeted to prevent or reduce vision-impairing corneal fibrosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have corneal injuries, surgical haze, or scarring that affects vision would be the most relevant candidates for future treatments arising from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose vision problems come from retinal, optic nerve, or purely dry-eye conditions are unlikely to benefit from therapies targeting corneal fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that limit or reverse corneal scarring and help preserve or restore vision after injury or surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and animal studies showed TGF-β1 promotes corneal fibrosis while TGF-β3 application and epithelial extracellular vesicles reduced scarring in some models, but the exact mechanisms remain incompletely understood.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- SCHEPENS EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CIOLINO, JOSEPH B. — SCHEPENS EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- Study coordinator: CIOLINO, JOSEPH B.
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.