Understanding how TDRD7 protein affects eye development and congenital cataracts
Official title: Characterization of eye pathology associated with the understudied protein TDRD7 linked to a human syndrome
Funded at University of Delaware · NIH-11384935 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how mutations in the TDRD7 protein cause congenital cataracts and eye problems, with potential to uncover new treatments for affected patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $158,430 |
| NIH project number | 1R03TR006304-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384935 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with congenital cataract due to TDRD7-related syndrome or related lens development defects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without TDRD7-linked cataract or those not involved in the specific condition may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will study TDRD7’s role in eye lens development using mouse models and molecular approaches to identify druggable pathways. The work aims to connect TDRD7 function with lens cell differentiation and integrity, which could highlight targets for therapies. Findings could pave the way for future interventions to prevent or lessen eye damage in babies with this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal new targets for therapies to prevent or treat congenital cataracts in patients with TDRD7-related syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in mouse models shows TDRD7 is linked to lens defects, supporting translation to human relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Delaware
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lachke, Salil — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Lachke, Salil
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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.