Understanding cell death in a common eye disease
Official title: Modulating Ferroptosis in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11073630 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, a condition that affects many people over 40 and can lead to needing a corneal transplant, to understand how certain cell damage happens and find new ways to help prevent or treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $588,731 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY037135-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073630 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 40 years old who have been diagnosed with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of corneal dystrophy or those who do not have FECD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), a condition affecting millions of Americans over 40 that leads to corneal transplant surgery. The study focuses on a specific type of cell death called ferroptosis, which is driven by oxidative stress and iron accumulation in corneal cells. By examining the mechanisms behind this cell death, particularly in relation to genetic factors and environmental triggers like UV light, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent disease progression. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments or preventive measures for FECD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or slow the progression of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, reducing the need for corneal transplants.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting ferroptosis in FECD is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding cell death mechanisms in other diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greiner, Mark Aaron — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Greiner, Mark Aaron
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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.