How the tear-producing gland forms and stays healthy
Integrating biomechanical and biochemical signaling in lacrimal gland development
Learning how the cells and signals that build and maintain the tear (lacrimal) gland work, to help people with dry eye and lacrimal gland problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11376944 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will read about research that aims to find the signals that guide tear gland development and how its different cell types interact. The team uses genetically modified mice to change specific cell-adhesion proteins and track effects on a key signaling molecule called Yap and on Notch pathways. They combine genetic, epigenetic, and other molecular mapping (multiomic) methods to map which genes and networks control acinar (tear-producing) cell formation and maturation. This is lab-based, early-stage work intended to reveal targets that could lead to new therapies for dry eye, rather than a treatment study in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with dry eye disease or diagnosed lacrimal gland dysfunction would be the most likely eventual candidates for related future therapies or clinical trials.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate relief or whose dry eye is caused mainly by surface conditions unrelated to lacrimal gland biology may not benefit directly from this basic lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new drug targets or biological strategies to restore tear gland function and reduce dry eye symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic mouse models and multiomic mapping have clarified development and disease mechanisms in other glands and organs, but applying these approaches specifically to lacrimal gland biology is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Xin — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Xin
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.