Mechanisms behind cataract-causing changes in eye proteins
Official title: Mechanism of Formation and Cataractogenic Properties of Gamma-S-Crystallin Cleavage Products
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11438758 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Vanderbilt aims to understand how specific eye protein changes cause cataracts, with the goal of finding ways to prevent or delay cataract formation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $435,875 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY039463-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11438758 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults at risk for age-related cataracts or with early lens changes who could contribute lens samples or participate in future translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without cataract risk factors or lens changes may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project will look at how aging affects eye lens proteins, focusing on gamma-S-crystallin and its cleavage products that may drive Cloudiness. Researchers will explore why these protein fragments form and how they cause the lens to clump and scatter light. The work combines molecular studies and eye lens models to link protein changes with cataract development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new strategies to prevent or delay cataracts, reducing vision loss and healthcare costs.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown cataract-related protein changes can influence lens clarity, but the exact mechanisms of gamma-S-crystallin cleavage are not fully understood.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schey, Kevin L — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Schey, Kevin L
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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.