Investigating how iron affects eye damage during bacterial infections
Official title: The role of iron in retinal degeneration during bacterial infection
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10884871 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how iron affects serious eye infections that can cause vision loss, and it aims to find a way to use a special treatment to help stop bacteria from growing and protect your eyesight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 19, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31EY035141-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884871 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of developing endophthalmitis, particularly those undergoing intraocular surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with eye infections not caused by bacterial agents or those with pre-existing irreversible vision loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of iron in the development of severe eye infections known as endophthalmitis, which can lead to permanent vision loss. The study aims to explore how bacteria compete for iron during infection and how this competition can lead to inflammation and damage to the retina. By using animal models, the researchers will test the effectiveness of an iron chelator, a substance that binds to iron, to inhibit bacterial growth and protect retinal structure. The goal is to find a treatment that can reduce both bacterial proliferation and inflammation in the eye.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent vision loss in patients suffering from severe eye infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that iron chelation can effectively inhibit bacterial growth and reduce inflammation in various infections, suggesting a promising approach in this context.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Foshe, Sierra — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Foshe, Sierra
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Comparing universal and guideline-directed genetic testing for young adults with cancer
This study is looking at whether a broader genetic test can help young adults with cancer find inherited risks that regular tests might miss, so they can get better treatment and care tailored just for them.
-
Better, searchable data for human pain biology
A data integration center will standardize, combine, and share molecular and cellular data from human pain research to help scientists understand how pain works and to accelerate discoveries.
-
Understanding how sweat glands form and work to help burn and skin injury patients
A study at the University of Pennsylvania looks at how sweat glands develop and function, with the goal of informing treatments for people who suffer traumatic skin injuries.
-
Cardiovascular risk planning and reduction for men with prostate cancer
A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
-
Understanding how a special airway cell helps protect and repair breathing passages
A researcher is studying a newly found airway cell called the hillock to see how it protects the airways and helps repair them after injury, with the aim of helping people with asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis.
-
Defining TMJ cartilage progenitors and their regulatory niche for TMJ regeneration
Researchers are studying the cells that could help repair the jaw’s cartilage in TMJ osteoarthritis to lay the groundwork for regenerative therapies.
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.