Understanding how specific proteins in the eye lens interact with cell membranes as we age.
Official title: Probing the specific interactions of AlphaA- crystallin and its aging- and cataract-associated forms with lens cell membrane mimics
Funded at State University of New York at Albany · NIH-10833663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called alphaA-crystallin interacts with lens cells in our eyes, especially as we age and develop cataracts, to help find ways to prevent or slow down cataract formation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Albany NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY034633-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10833663 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at risk of developing cataracts or have early signs of cataract formation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cataracts unrelated to aging or those who have already undergone cataract surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions of alphaA-crystallin, a protein crucial for maintaining lens transparency, with the membranes of lens cells. It focuses on how aging and cataract formation affect these interactions, which may lead to lens opacity. By examining the binding of alphaA-crystallin to unique membrane components, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that contribute to age-related cataracts. This could provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies to delay or prevent cataract development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help maintain lens transparency and prevent cataracts in aging individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding protein interactions in the lens, but this specific approach focusing on alphaA-crystallin and its modifications is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Albany
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pande, Jayanti — State University of New York at Albany
- Study coordinator: Pande, Jayanti
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Glutaredoxin and aging: how it affects cataracts and new treatment ideas
A research project explores how aging affects the lens of the eye and tests new ways to prevent or treat cataracts by studying antioxidant repair and inflammation.
-
Aging Well with HIV: Alcohol, Risk Reduction, and Education Center (AWAR3E)
A center at Yale is exploring how aging with HIV interacts with alcohol use to create inflammation and frailty, with the goal of finding biomarkers and potential treatments.
-
Cognitive SuperAging: Exploring why some octogenarians stay sharp in memory
This NIH grant studies why a small group of people aged 80+ keep memory skills as good as much younger people, hoping to understand how to protect memory as we age.
-
Biological aging across the lifespan through a national high school-to-adult study
This grant uses a long-running national study of students and adults to collect saliva biomarkers of aging, alongside surveys, to understand how aging markers relate to health and life experiences.
-
Understanding how aging and Alzheimer’s affect how people make tough choices
This NIH grant studies how aging and Alzheimer’s risk change how people decide between immediate and delayed rewards and risky options, with the goal of helping older adults stay financially and healthwise safer.
-
Understanding how brain resilience and multiple brain pathologies influence aging and Alzheimer's disease
A long-term study follows older adults to learn how resilience to brain changes helps reduce dementia risk and what biological factors are linked to better cognitive aging.
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.