Understanding how tiny membrane tears in the cornea send signals to keep the eye healthy
Official title: Temporary plasma membrane disruptions in corneal epithelium and keratocytes.
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11384331 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how small tears in corneal cells’ membranes trigger calcium signals that help keep the cornea functioning, especially under everyday stresses like eye rubbing or contact lens wear.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034851-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384331 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with corneal conditions or diabetes that affect the cornea could be relevant for future translational applications or related patient studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without corneal issues or diabetes may not directly benefit from this basic science study.
What this research studies
The research focuses on transient membrane disruptions in corneal epithelial cells and keratocytes and how these moments trigger calcium waves that coordinate cell activities related to the cornea’s structure and health. Researchers will create controlled membrane disruptions in human and mouse cells using advanced microscopy, then block or reduce specific calcium channels to see which channels drive the signaling. The goal is to map the signaling pathways that connect TPMDs to corneal maintenance and how these processes go wrong in diabetes. This knowledge could reveal new ways to protect vision by supporting corneal resilience under stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Gaining insight into corneal signaling could lead to better strategies to prevent or treat corneal problems related to mechanical stress and diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has begun to identify calcium channels in corneal cells, but this project aims to pinpoint the exact channels involved in TPMD signaling, representing a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Jing — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Jing
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.