How the eye's lens forms during early development
Signaling networks and transcriptional programs in lens vesicle formation
This work will find out how cell signals guide lens formation in the eye to help people with anterior segment dysgenesis and other front-of-eye developmental conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11240519 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use genetically modified mice and cells grown from lens tissue to study the molecular steps of lens vesicle formation. They focus on a signaling hub called mTORC1, how it is activated by FGF signals, and how it influences cell adhesion through Wnt signaling. The team will turn specific genes on or off and examine lens development and cell contacts to map the pathways involved. The experiments are lab-based and aim to reveal what goes wrong in anterior segment dysgenesis so future tests or treatments can be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People or families affected by anterior segment dysgenesis, congenital lens defects, or known genetic changes in early eye development would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with age-related or unrelated eye conditions such as typical adult cataracts or retinal diseases are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to molecular targets for preventing or treating anterior segment dysgenesis and other developmental lens disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Related signaling pathways like mTORC1, FGF, and Wnt have been linked to development in other tissues, but applying these pathways specifically to lens vesicle formation is a newer direction.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Qian — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Qian
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.