Stem-cell approach to restore the cornea's inner lining
Mesenchymal Stem Cells can Restore and Maintain Corneal Endothelial Function
Seeing whether stem cells can be turned into corneal endothelial cells to help adults with damaged corneal endothelium.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179406 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be told how researchers are trying to convert stem cells from bone marrow, the limbus (eye edge), or fat tissue into the cornea's inner endothelial cells in the lab. They will vary growth conditions and study molecular signals, then test the new cells on corneas outside the body and in living models to see if the cells integrate and keep the cornea clear. The team will check how well the cells match the host tissue and watch for immune or inflammatory reactions. If the cells function and are safe, the plan is to transplant them to restore the cornea's fluid balance and reduce the need for full donor corneas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with corneal endothelial disease causing corneal swelling or vision loss who are candidates for endothelial cell replacement.
Not a fit: People with unrelated eye conditions like full-thickness corneal scarring, active eye infection, or other contraindications to cell therapy may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could restore normal corneal endothelial function and reduce reliance on whole donor corneas, making treatment simpler and more available.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab and animal studies of corneal endothelial cell transplantation have been promising, but clinical success with MSC-derived endothelial cells in humans is still limited and early.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Islam, Mohammad Mirazul — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Islam, Mohammad Mirazul
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.