How the Hedgehog signal keeps eyelid oil glands working
Functional and therapeutic roles of the Hedgehog signaling in meibomian glands development, renewal and dysfunction
The team will try changing a cell signal called Hedgehog to help eyelid oil (meibomian) glands renew themselves and ease dry eye in adults.
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-11122201 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will study how the Hedgehog signaling pathway controls development and renewal of the meibomian (eyelid oil) glands that keep your tears stable. They will examine gland tissue and cells and use lab models to map the stem cell and renewal processes that fail with aging or disease. The researchers will also test drugs that activate or block Hedgehog signaling and explore ways to deliver those drugs to the glands. The aim is to find drug targets and delivery methods that could lead to new treatments for meibomian gland disease-related dry eye.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with meibomian gland dysfunction or age-related eyelid oil gland loss who are interested in new biological treatments would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People whose dry eye is caused mainly by tear production problems, surface inflammation unrelated to meibomian glands, or non-meibomian conditions may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify drug targets and delivery strategies to restore meibomian gland function and reduce dry eye symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting Hedgehog signaling in meibomian glands is a novel approach and has not yet been proven in patients, though other non-drug treatments for MGD exist.
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.