Understanding how aging affects dry eye disease through specific proteins
Official title: Defining the interplay of interferon-gamma and cathepsin S in age-related dry eye
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10703450 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging affects dry eye symptoms and how a protein called cathepsin S might play a role in causing inflammation in the eyes of older adults, with the goal of finding better treatments for dry eye disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $374,859 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY030447-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10703450 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing symptoms of dry eye disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have symptoms of dry eye disease are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between aging and dry eye disease, focusing on the role of a protein called cathepsin S. As people age, they often experience chronic inflammation in the eyes, which can lead to dry eye symptoms. The study aims to uncover how increased levels of cathepsin S in the eyes of older adults may contribute to this inflammation and the resulting dry eye condition. By examining the mechanisms involved, the research hopes to provide insights that could lead to better treatments for dry eye disease in the elderly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for dry eye disease, enhancing the quality of life for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting inflammatory processes in age-related conditions can lead to significant improvements, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Paiva, Cintia S. — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: De Paiva, Cintia S.
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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.