Mesenchymal stem cells to restore corneal endothelium
Official title: Mesenchymal Stem Cells can Restore and Maintain Corneal Endothelial Function
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-11398144 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Fat and bone marrow stem cells may be turned into corneal cells to help people with diseased eyes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $248,505 |
| NIH project number | 5R00EY031373-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398144 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with endothelial corneal disease who may benefit from future cell-based transplantation strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without endothelial corneal disease or those unable to undergo transplantation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores using different sources of mesenchymal stem cells to become healthy corneal endothelial cells that can be transplanted into the eye. Researchers will test how various MSC types and culture conditions influence differentiation, then study how these cells behave in lab, tissue, and animal models. The goal is for the differentiated cells to integrate with eye tissue and maintain proper corneal hydration without immune problems or whole donor tissue. If successful, this approach could offer a simpler, cell-based treatment for endothelial eye diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with corneal endothelial diseases could receive a cell-based therapy that restores function without donor corneas.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show promise with stem cell–derived corneal cells, but this approach remains exploratory and may require further validation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Islam, Mohammad Mirazul — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Islam, Mohammad Mirazul
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.