Tiny membrane tears in cornea cells
Temporary plasma membrane disruptions in corneal epithelium and keratocytes.
This project looks at how tiny, quickly repaired tears in cornea cells trigger calcium signals that may change how the cornea responds to eye rubbing and contact lens wear.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163367 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, researchers are studying tiny, short-lived tears in the outer cells of the cornea and neighboring keratocytes to see how those tears create calcium waves that signal other cells. They will create these small membrane breaks in individual mouse and human cornea cells and in donated ex‑vivo corneas, then watch the calcium responses with high‑resolution multiphoton microscopy. The team will use drug blockers and genetic knockdown to identify which calcium channels drive those signals. Understanding this signaling could explain how normal stresses (like rubbing or contact lenses) affect corneal maintenance and why those processes fail in conditions such as diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people who wear contact lenses, frequently rub their eyes, or have surface corneal complaints and who can participate at or near Augusta University.
Not a fit: People whose eye issues are unrelated to the corneal surface (for example, retinal or optic nerve diseases) are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect or repair the cornea after mechanical stress and help prevent corneal problems linked to diabetes or contact lens use.
How similar studies have performed: This is a relatively new area for the cornea—TPMD-driven calcium signaling is novel, though related calcium‑channel research exists in other tissues.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watsky, Mitchell a — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Watsky, Mitchell a
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.