Understanding how a specific protein affects blood vessel growth in the cornea
Official title: Identification of a new role of membrane‐type 1 matrix metalloproteinases in corneal neovascularization
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10993187 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein called MMP-14 affects the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the cornea, which can cause vision problems, and it aims to find new ways to prevent this issue for people at risk of losing their sight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $399,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033758-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993187 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing corneal neovascularization due to injury or infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with corneal conditions unrelated to neovascularization may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-14) in corneal neovascularization, a condition that can lead to blindness due to abnormal blood vessel growth in the cornea. The study aims to explore how MMP-14 interacts with other proteins involved in this process, particularly focusing on its relationship with FGF2 and FGFR2. By using animal models, researchers will analyze the effects of inhibiting MMP-14 on the regulation of these proteins and the overall impact on corneal health. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing vision loss associated with corneal neovascularization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce abnormal blood vessel growth in the cornea, potentially preserving vision for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways for treating corneal neovascularization, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Kyuyeon — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Han, Kyuyeon
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.