Role of oxidative stress in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy
Official title: Role of Oxidative Stress in Pathogenesis of Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Funded at Schepens Eye Research Institute · NIH-11380762 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly look at how oxidative stress may contribute to Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy and what this NIH grant aims to learn to improve eye health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Schepens Eye Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2010 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $607,779 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY020581-17 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380762 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with FECD or those at risk due to age, smoking, or estrogen-related factors.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science research may not directly benefit a patient in the short term and would require future translation.
What this research studies
This project studies why the corneal cells thin and scar in FECD, a common age-related eye disease, especially in women and smokers. Researchers have found links between UVA exposure, DNA damage, mitochondrial problems, and cellular aging in FECD, and now want to understand how these factors interact with smoking and estrogen effects. The study uses lab models to examine how UVA, age, and smoking might cause cells to stop dividing and deposit scar-like material in the cornea. If successful, findings could point to new ways to prevent or slow FECD progression and preserve vision. Participation by patients would come through future trials or samples if the work translates to human studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new strategies to prevent or slow FECD progression and protect vision in at-risk patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has linked oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction to FECD; the proposed work builds on that foundation with a deeper mechanism.
Where this research is happening
-
Schepens Eye Research Institute
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jurkunas, Ula V. — Schepens Eye Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Jurkunas, Ula V.
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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.