Understanding how a key protein interacts with eye lens membranes in cataract development
Official title: Interaction of alpha-crystallin with cholesterol bilayer domains in cataract formation
Funded at Boise State University · NIH-11179163 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how a protein called alpha-crystallin binds to eye lens membranes, which can lead to cataracts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boise State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boise, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $352,321 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY030067-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11179163 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for anyone interested in the basic biological processes that contribute to age-related cataracts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not receive benefit from this basic science project.
What this research studies
Our eyes have a special protein, alpha-crystallin, that helps keep the lens clear by preventing other proteins from clumping together. As we get older and cataracts form, this helpful protein moves from inside the lens cells to the cell membranes. We want to discover exactly how this protein attaches to the lens membrane, especially focusing on the role of cholesterol in this process. By understanding this mechanism, we hope to find new ways to prevent or even reverse cataracts. This project builds on our previous findings to delve deeper into these important interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing or reversing cataract development by targeting the protein-membrane interaction.
How similar studies have gone: This project builds upon previous successful findings from the same team, which have directed them to more detailed studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Boise State University
Boise, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mainali, Laxman — Boise State University
- Study coordinator: Mainali, Laxman
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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.