Understanding how corneal cell interactions lead to vision loss in Fuchs dystrophy

Corneal Endothelium – Extracellular Matrix Interactions

['FUNDING_R01'] · STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO · NIH-11066437

This study is looking into how a condition called Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy affects the eye and causes vision problems, by examining how certain deposits form on the cornea and how they impact the health of eye cells, with the hope of finding better treatment options for people with this condition.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (AMHERST, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11066437 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), a condition that can lead to significant vision loss. The study focuses on how deposits called guttae form on the corneal endothelium and how this affects the health of corneal cells. By using cell culture techniques, researchers will explore the metabolic pathways involved in guttae formation and how these changes impact the growth of healthy corneal cells. The goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve treatment options for patients with FECD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy who are experiencing vision impairment.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of corneal diseases unrelated to Fuchs dystrophy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent vision loss in patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding corneal diseases through similar metabolic and cellular approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

AMHERST, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.