Investigating how Cathepsin S affects pain in dry eye conditions
Official title: Role of Cathepsin S in Dry Eye Associated Neuropathic Pain
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10671531 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein called Cathepsin S affects nerve pain related to dry eye syndrome, especially in older adults who often feel a lot of discomfort even when their eyes don’t look too bad, with hopes of finding new ways to help relieve that pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $206,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY033543-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10671531 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing severe dry eye symptoms and associated neuropathic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with dry eye who do not experience neuropathic pain or those with other underlying ocular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Cathepsin S in the development of neuropathic pain associated with dry eye syndrome. It aims to explore how this protease influences inflammation and nerve responses in the eye, particularly in older adults who may experience severe symptoms despite minimal clinical signs. By using a mouse model, the study will examine the neurobiological mechanisms involved and assess potential therapeutic targets for alleviating pain. The findings could lead to new treatment strategies for patients suffering from chronic dry eye pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new insights and treatment options for patients suffering from chronic pain associated with dry eye syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting Cathepsin S in other neuropathic pain conditions has been effective, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Edman, Maria C — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Edman, Maria C
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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.