Understanding how corneal cells maintain fluid balance and transparency
Official title: Modeling and testing functional interactions among corneal endothelial acid-base transporters
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11075886 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the eye's cornea work together to keep it healthy and clear, and it aims to find out how changes in these proteins might cause corneal dystrophy, which could help in developing new treatments for this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 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, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $193,769 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY036218-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075886 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with corneal dystrophies or those experiencing corneal edema.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with corneal conditions unrelated to the function of the studied transport proteins may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between specific proteins in corneal endothelial cells that are crucial for maintaining corneal hydration and transparency. By using a combination of experimental data and computational modeling, the study aims to understand how mutations in these proteins can lead to corneal dystrophy. The researchers will analyze how these proteins work together to counteract pH changes and maintain proper function. This approach could reveal important insights into the mechanisms behind corneal diseases and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for corneal dystrophies, potentially improving vision and quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using computational modeling in this context may be novel, similar studies have successfully identified interactions among cellular transporters in other conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parker, Mark — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Parker, Mark
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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.