Lens proteins, cell stress, and cataracts in kids and adults
Official title: Lens connexins, cellular stress, and cataracts
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11609390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study aims to understand how lens proteins and cellular stress contribute to cataracts, in both humans and mice, with the goal of guiding prevention or treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $582,115 |
| NIH project number | 1R56EY037739-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11609390 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with congenital lens protein mutations or age-related cataract risk, plus those donating lens tissue for study.
✕Less likely to help
People without cataracts or risk factors may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Cataracts cause vision loss worldwide and are linked to aging as well as genetic factors. This project will look at how lens proteins and cellular stress disrupt the eye’s balance of ions and lead to calcium deposits that form cataracts. Researchers will study human lens tissue, mutant mice, and lab models to map how proteolytic pathways and ionic changes relate to cataract formation. The work could reveal new ideas for preventing or treating cataracts in people who are at risk or affected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform new ways to prevent or slow cataract development and guide therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows ionic imbalance and calcified deposits are linked to cataract formation, supporting a potentially translatable approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beyer, Eric C — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Beyer, Eric 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.