Understanding KLF4 and KLF5 in Eye Surface Health
Ocular Surface Functions of KLF4 and KLF5
This research aims to understand how two important proteins, KLF4 and KLF5, help keep the front surface of your eye healthy and able to renew itself.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11079533 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The front surface of your eye, called the corneal epithelium, is a protective layer that constantly regenerates. This project focuses on identifying the regulatory networks that control how these cells grow and organize, which is crucial for maintaining healthy vision. Researchers are looking into the specific roles of proteins KLF4 and KLF5 in guiding cell shape, polarity, and division within the corneal epithelium. By using advanced cell culture, imaging, and genetic models, the team hopes to uncover how defects in these processes can lead to sight-threatening eye conditions. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the molecular basis for various corneal disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients experiencing or at risk for corneal disorders that affect the eye's surface might eventually benefit from the insights gained from this foundational research.
Not a fit: Patients with eye conditions unrelated to corneal epithelial stratification or genetic stability may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of sight-threatening corneal disorders and potentially new strategies for their treatment.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon the investigators' previous work, which has already demonstrated the crucial roles of KLF4 and KLF5 in maintaining the ocular surface.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- University of South Florida — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swamynathan, Shivalingappa Kottur — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Swamynathan, Shivalingappa Kottur
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 below.