Understanding how bacteria cause eye infections
ECM Regulation of Ocular Surface Disease
This study is looking at how bacteria stick to the eye's surface and cause serious infections that can lead to blindness, and it's exploring a specific protein that might help us find new ways to stop these infections, which could help people at risk of severe eye problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11055354 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates bacterial keratitis, a serious eye infection that can lead to blindness. It focuses on how bacteria attach to the cornea using components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and explores the role of a specific protein, syndecan-1, in this process. By studying mouse models, the research aims to identify potential treatments that could prevent these infections by blocking bacterial attachment. Patients may benefit from new therapies that improve outcomes for those at risk of severe eye infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at high risk for bacterial keratitis, such as those with compromised immune systems or existing eye conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with non-bacterial causes of eye infections or those who do not have risk factors for bacterial keratitis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the risk of blindness from bacterial eye infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding bacterial interactions with the cornea, suggesting that this approach could lead to effective new treatments.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Pyong Woo — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Park, Pyong Woo
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.