Reducing galectin-3 to help corneal nerves heal
Official title: Galectin-3 and corneal nerve regeneration
Funded at Tufts Medical Center · NIH-11259462 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Looking at whether lowering the protein galectin-3 can help people with corneal nerve damage heal and regain eye sensation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $565,123 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035702-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11259462 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with neurotrophic keratopathy or corneal nerve damage from severe dry eye, surgery, infection, or injury are the most likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with eye conditions that do not involve corneal nerves, such as most retinal diseases or glaucoma, or those seeking immediate clinical therapy may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This project studies galectin-3, a protein found at higher levels in the tears and corneas of people with damaged ocular surfaces. Researchers will use patient tear samples, lab experiments, and animal models to understand how galectin-3 blocks nerve regrowth and to test ways to block its action. The work aims to identify strategies that allow corneal nerves to regenerate properly and restore corneal health and sensation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that speed corneal nerve regeneration, reduce corneal ulcers, and improve eye comfort and sensation.
How similar studies have gone: Recombinant nerve growth factor eye drops have shown benefit for corneal nerve disease but have side effects, while targeting galectin-3 is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Argueso, Pablo — Tufts Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Argueso, Pablo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Modeling to Prevent and Control Uterine Cancer
A national modeling effort uses computer simulations to inform better prevention, screening, and treatment of uterine cancer for women.
-
Remote tai chi for knee OA in everyday care
A nationwide study will test remotely delivered tai chi for people with knee osteoarthritis to see if it helps pain and function when added to usual care.
-
Comparative modeling to guide uterine cancer care
This grant uses computer models to help doctors and patients understand how to make better decisions about uterine cancer care.
-
How eGFR drop after heart failure meds affects stopping those meds
A small NIH grant will look at whether stopping heart failure medicines after a kidney function drop is safe for patients with heart failure.
-
Paid family leave and child well-being: new policy affects families and kids
A large study will look at whether paid family and medical leave helps prevent bad childhood experiences and promotes positive ones, especially in communities that often face inequities.
-
Glycosylation and corneal nerve health
A scientists’ team at Tufts Medical Center is studying how sugars attached to proteins affect healing and feeling in the eye’s surface after injury.
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.