Understanding corneal nerves in healthy and diseased eyes
Underpinnings of corneal innervation: anatomical, molecular, and functional studies of corneal sensory afferents in physiologic and pathologic states
This project maps how corneal nerves function and change to help people with dry eye, corneal pain, or nerve injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181543 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, the team combines high-resolution nerve imaging, molecular profiling of individual cells, and functional tests to chart the different nerve types in the cornea and how they respond to injury or disease. They use animal models and advanced microscopy alongside analysis of human tissues or clinical imaging when available to track nerve damage and regeneration. By linking nerve anatomy, gene activity, and behavior, researchers aim to find which nerve changes cause pain or poor healing. The work is carried out by a multidisciplinary team at the University of Pennsylvania with collaborators experienced in eye disease, pain biology, and nerve imaging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with dry eye disease, neurotrophic keratitis, corneal neuropathic pain, or those who have had corneal injury or refractive surgery.
Not a fit: People without corneal nerve problems or whose eye issues are caused solely by non-neural factors may not receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better diagnostics and new treatments for dry eye, corneal nerve pain, and impaired corneal healing.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked corneal nerve damage to dry eye and pain and early imaging and molecular methods have shown promise, but integrating high-resolution imaging with single-cell molecular profiling is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rompolas, Panteleimon — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Rompolas, Panteleimon
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.