Role of Pard3 in cornea cell polarity and health
Official title: Role of apical-basal polarity in the cornea
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11429022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A project to understand how a protein called Pard3 helps the cornea maintain its surface structure and function, with studies in mice and human cornea cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $593,946 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY039321-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11429022 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with healthy corneas or corneal disease patients who might benefit from insights into corneal cell polarity and maintenance.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without corneal issues or those not affected by epithelial polarity disorders may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project investigates how Pard3 helps corneal cells organize themselves and keep the surface barrier intact. Researchers will study Pard3’s role in cell structure, movement, and genetic stability using Pard3-deficient mouse models and human corneal cells edited with CRISPR. The goal is to link Pard3-driven polarity to corneal health, sensory innervation, and tissue homeostasis. Results could reveal new angles for treating corneal problems related to cell organization and integrity. The work builds on prior findings showing that disrupting Pard3 affects corneal stratification and barrier function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform new approaches to protect or restore corneal surface health and clarity in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in Pard3-deficient mice and human corneal cells suggest that Pard3 disruption impacts corneal structure and genome stability, supporting continuation of this line.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swamynathan, Shivalingappa Kottur — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Swamynathan, Shivalingappa Kottur
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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.