Stem cell treatments for corneal limbal stem cell loss
Development of Stem Cell-based Therapies for Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11411319
Trying stem-cell based approaches and clearer, non-invasive tests to help people with limbal stem cell deficiency of the cornea.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11411319 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project combines advanced, non-invasive eye imaging with lab-grown limbal stem cell grafts to improve diagnosis and treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Doctors will use multimodal imaging to more accurately stage how much stem cell function remains in the eye. In the lab, the team will develop quality-control and potency tests that measure functional stem cell content in cultured grafts without destroying them, and refine transplantation methods that need less donor tissue. The goal is clearer staging, reliable graft products, and safer, more tailored treatments for people with partial or total LSCD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with limbal stem cell deficiency (partial or total), who have corneal surface damage and might be candidates for limbal cell transplantation, would be the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People without limbal stem cell loss or with unrelated eye diseases (for example isolated retinal or optic nerve disorders) are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to safer, standardized stem-cell grafts and better diagnostic tools that restore or preserve vision for people with LSCD.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier clinical work and small trials of cultivated limbal stem cell transplantation have shown promise, but consistent diagnostic staging and standardized potency tests are still lacking.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DENG, SOPHIE — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: DENG, SOPHIE
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.