Understanding how limbal fibroblasts help maintain eye stem cells
Official title: The role of limbal fibroblasts for the maintenance of limbal stem cells
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10986618 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special cells in the eye called limbal fibroblasts help support the stem cells that keep your cornea healthy, with the goal of finding new ways to help people who have trouble with their vision due to limbal stem cell deficiency.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $247,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY035735-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986618 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from limbal stem cell deficiency, particularly those with bilateral LSCD who may not be suitable for traditional transplantation methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unilateral limbal stem cell deficiency or those who do not have any corneal issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of limbal fibroblasts in supporting limbal stem cells (LSCs), which are crucial for maintaining the corneal epithelium. The study aims to explore how these fibroblasts contribute to the health and function of LSCs, particularly in the context of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a condition that can lead to severe vision loss. By examining the interactions between limbal fibroblasts and LSCs, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic strategies that could improve outcomes for patients suffering from LSCD, especially those who may not have access to donor corneas for transplantation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, less invasive treatments for patients with limbal stem cell deficiency, potentially improving their vision and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of niche cells in stem cell maintenance, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in treatment options.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sasamoto, Yuzuru — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Sasamoto, Yuzuru
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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.