Repairing corneal damage caused by diabetes
Restoration of Structure and Function in the Diabetic Cornea
This project tests a two-peptide treatment to help heal and protect the cornea in adults with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11312728 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will develop and test a combination of two peptides (Tβ4 and VIP) intended to protect and repair the cornea under high blood sugar conditions. They will study corneal epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts in the lab and then use animal models to observe effects on wound healing, nerve health, and corneal structure. The team will use imaging (such as AS-OCT), cellular analyses, and measures like endothelial cell density and tear-film changes to track outcomes. They will also explore a newly described molecular pathway (the DDR-TRP axis) that may drive diabetes-related corneal injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with diabetes who are experiencing corneal problems such as poor healing, corneal neuropathy, or vision disruption would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without diabetes, children under 21, or patients whose corneal damage is from non-diabetic causes or is already advanced and irreversible are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could improve corneal wound healing, protect nerve function, and reduce vision problems caused by diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Peptides like Tβ4 have shown wound-healing benefits in earlier preclinical and some clinical work, but combining Tβ4 with VIP and targeting the DDR-TRP axis in diabetic corneas is largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Detroit, United States
- Wayne State University — Detroit, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berger, Elizabeth — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Berger, Elizabeth
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 below.