Investigating how a specific protein affects corneal cell development and health
Official title: Role of transcription factor activating protein-2 beta (AP-2β) in corneal epithelial cell fate determination and stratification
Funded at Mcmaster University · NIH-10683400 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein affects the cells in the eye's outer layer, which could help us find better ways to treat eye diseases that can lead to vision loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mcmaster University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hamilton, Canada) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $148,230 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY034241-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10683400 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from corneal diseases or conditions that affect corneal health and vision.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with corneal conditions unrelated to epithelial cell development or those who do not have access to the research location may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the transcription factor activating protein-2 beta (AP-2β) in the development of corneal epithelial cells. By using a mouse model where this protein is specifically deleted in neural crest cells, researchers aim to uncover how this affects corneal structure and function. The study employs advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry to analyze changes in corneal cell types and markers. The ultimate goal is to identify mechanisms that could lead to improved treatments for corneal diseases that can cause vision loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating corneal pathologies and preventing blindness.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of AP-2β in corneal epithelial development is not well-studied, similar approaches in understanding transcription factors have shown promise in other areas of regenerative medicine.
Where this research is happening
-
Mcmaster University
Hamilton, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: West-Mays, Judith a — Mcmaster University
- Study coordinator: West-Mays, Judith a
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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.