Understanding how corneal cell interactions lead to vision loss in Fuchs dystrophy
Official title: Corneal Endothelium – Extracellular Matrix Interactions
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11066437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $358,509 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034906-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy who are experiencing vision impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of corneal diseases unrelated to Fuchs dystrophy may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Sangita — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Patel, Sangita
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.