Investigating how estrogen affects corneal endothelial cell health
Official title: Modulation of Corneal Endothelial Mitochondrial Activity and Dysfunction by Estrogen
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-11197584 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how estrogen affects the health of eye cells in postmenopausal women, especially those at risk for a condition called Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy, to see if it helps protect these cells or if it could cause problems over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $373,527 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY036466-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11197584 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include postmenopausal women experiencing corneal health issues or those at risk for Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are premenopausal or do not have corneal endothelial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the role of estrogen in the health of corneal endothelial cells, particularly focusing on its effects on mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress. The study will assess whether estrogen provides protective benefits or poses risks to these cells, especially in postmenopausal women who are more susceptible to conditions like Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD). By utilizing mouse models that mimic the slow progression of FECD, the research will investigate both the protective and potentially harmful effects of estrogen over time. This could lead to a better understanding of how hormonal changes impact eye health in aging populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preserving corneal health in postmenopausal women.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on estrogen's effects on various tissues, this specific investigation into corneal endothelial cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bonanno, Joseph Aurelio — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Bonanno, Joseph Aurelio
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.