SLC4A11's role in cornea health and FECD risk
Official title: Investigating the Action and Physiological Role of Slc4a11 in the Cornea
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11418375 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in mice explores how a human gene variant linked to Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy affects corneal cell health and sensitivity to stress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $396,017 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY028580-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418375 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with FECD or at risk due to SLC4A11 mutations may benefit from future therapies informed by this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without FECD or related endothelial disorders may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers are using a transgenic mouse model carrying a human FECD-related SLC4A11 mutation to understand why the corneal endothelium fails with age. The project will look at how the mutation changes endothelial cell function and antioxidant capacity, especially after exposure to UVA light. By studying molecular changes and disease-linked traits in these mice, the team aims to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to prevent FECD progression. This work could pave the way for non-invasive therapies that delay or prevent the need for corneal transplants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: insights from this work could inform new strategies to protect corneal endothelial cells and delay FECD onset or progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous mouse-model studies have shown that genetic mutations can influence oxidative stress responses in the cornea, supporting the feasibility of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parker, Mark — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Parker, Mark
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.