Understanding how calorie restriction affects inflammation in the aging lacrimal gland
Official title: Investigating the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of calorie restriction in the aged lacrimal gland
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11092190 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eating fewer calories might help improve tear production and reduce dry eye symptoms in older adults by exploring changes in a key gland that helps make tears.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $695,347 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035333-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092190 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience symptoms of dry eye, particularly those in advanced age.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not experience dry eye symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of calorie restriction on the lacrimal gland, which is crucial for tear production and often deteriorates with age, leading to dry eye symptoms. By examining changes at the cellular level, the study aims to understand how reducing calorie intake may alleviate inflammation and improve gland function in older adults. The research utilizes advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the differences between young and old mice under various dietary conditions. The ultimate goal is to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for dry eye in the elderly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary strategies or therapies that improve tear production and reduce dry eye symptoms in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that calorie restriction can positively impact various age-related conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach in treating dry eye.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Makarenkova, Helen P. — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Makarenkova, Helen P.
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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.