How the PRSS56 gene affects eye growth and refractive errors like myopia
Characterizing the Molecular Mechanisms of PRSS56-Dependent Ocular Growth and Refractive Error
Researchers are learning how a protein from the PRSS56 gene controls eye length and leads to nearsightedness, with the goal of helping people with refractive errors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128593 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how the PRSS56 gene and its protein influence the eye's axial length using genetic experiments, cell studies, and animal models. The team will examine signals that travel from the retina to the sclera to see how those signals change the eye's shape and whether PRSS56 is involved in vision-guided adjustments. They will use molecular tools, viral vectors, and cell culture to map the pathways and identify the cells affected by PRSS56. The work is based at UCSF and aims to link lab findings to the causes of myopia and other refractive errors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early-onset or progressive myopia who are interested in future gene- or pathway-based treatments would be most relevant to follow this research.
Not a fit: People whose vision loss is caused by conditions unrelated to eye length, such as advanced retinal degeneration or cataracts, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets for new ways to prevent or slow myopia by modifying the PRSS56 pathway.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic and animal studies have linked PRSS56 to eye length and refractive error, but translating those findings into human treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nair, Kayarat Saidas — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Nair, Kayarat Saidas
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.