Understanding how axolotls regenerate their eye lenses
Official title: Elucidation of cellular reprogramming processes that drive lens regeneration in axolotl as a basis for future therapeutic approaches
Funded at University of New Hampshire · NIH-11003673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how axolotls and newts can heal their eye lenses after getting hurt, and it aims to learn more about the special cells that help them do this, which could eventually lead to new treatments for people with similar eye problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Hampshire NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2019 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $247,715 |
| NIH project number | 5R00EY029361-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003673 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from age-related macular degeneration or other conditions affecting lens regeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with irreversible lens damage or those who do not have conditions related to lens regeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique ability of axolotls and newts to regenerate their eye lenses after injury. By studying the iris pigmented epithelial (IPE) cells, which can activate, proliferate, and reprogram to form new lens tissue, the researchers aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind this regeneration. The study employs advanced techniques like transcriptomics and flow cytometry to identify specific cell populations involved in this process. Insights gained could pave the way for new regenerative therapies in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for lens-related blindness and other ocular conditions in humans.
How similar studies have gone: While the regeneration of ocular tissues in salamanders is well-documented, this specific approach to understanding the underlying mechanisms is novel and has not been extensively tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Hampshire
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sousounis, Konstantinos — University of New Hampshire
- Study coordinator: Sousounis, Konstantinos
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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.