How tiny microRNAs help the cornea stay healthy and heal
The Role of MicroRNAs in Normal and Diseased Corneal Epithelial Homeostasis
This research looks at how small molecules called microRNAs control corneal stem cells so the eye surface can renew and repair itself.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093535 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will study limbal epithelial stem cells—the cells that renew the cornea—to see how microRNAs (like miR-146a) control their behavior. They will use high-resolution methods including single-cell analyses to map which microRNAs are active in different limbal cell types and during wound healing. Lab experiments will connect those microRNAs to known signaling pathways (for example EGFR, Notch, NF-κB) to understand how stress leads to problems like limbal stem cell deficiency and diabetic keratopathy. The goal is to link molecular patterns to clinical corneal problems so new treatments can be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with corneal surface problems related to limbal stem cell dysfunction, such as limbal stem cell deficiency, poor corneal wound healing, diabetic keratopathy, or related corneal scarring.
Not a fit: People with eye conditions that do not involve the corneal surface or limbal stem cells (for example isolated retinal diseases or simple refractive errors) are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect or restore corneal stem cells, reducing scarring, vision loss, and the need for corneal transplants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory work has shown miR-146a affects corneal healing and cell signaling, but applying single-cell microRNA mapping to human limbal stem cells is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghiam, Mehrnoosh Saghizadeh — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ghiam, Mehrnoosh Saghizadeh
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.