Using lasers to improve gene delivery to the cornea
Official title: Amplified femtosecond laser permeabilization and poration for nonviral corneal gene delivery
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11057876 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a gentle new way to deliver gene therapy to the eye using a special laser that creates tiny channels in the cornea, making it easier for helpful DNA to get in without causing any harm, which could lead to better treatment options for people with corneal diseases or injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $431,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY036176-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057876 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with corneal diseases or injuries that may benefit from gene therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to the cornea or those who do not require gene therapy may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new method for delivering gene therapy to the cornea using femtosecond laser technology. The approach aims to create microchannels in the corneal epithelium, allowing therapeutic DNA to penetrate more effectively without damaging the tissue. By avoiding the need for invasive procedures that can cause discomfort and complications, this method seeks to enhance the safety and efficacy of gene therapy for eye conditions. Patients may benefit from improved treatment options for corneal diseases and injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective way to deliver gene therapy for various corneal conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using laser technology for enhancing drug delivery, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bradford, Samantha — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Bradford, Samantha
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Retinal cell grafts to restore sight in AMD and RP
A patient-focused program aims to replace damaged retinal cells with organized, transplant-ready sheets created from stem cells to improve vision in age-related macular degeneration and related diseases.
-
Treg-based tolerance to dystrophin immune responses in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
A new grant aims to help people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by teaching the immune system to tolerate the dystrophin treatment delivered by gene therapy.
-
Immune and NGF factors in Alzheimer’s for adults with Down syndrome
This grant studies why people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease by looking at immune signals and nerve growth factor problems.
-
Promoting Heart Cell Maturation with Light-Activated Engineered Peptides
Aims to help grown heart cells from stem cells mature more like real adult heart tissue using special peptide coatings that respond to light.
-
Understanding how heart nerves affect dangerous heart rhythms after a heart attack
This NIH grant studies how changes in the heart’s nerve signaling after a heart attack lead to dangerous rhythm problems, with the goal of finding ways to prevent them.
-
All of Us Southern California Consortium supports broad participation in a national health data program
A national health data program in Southern California works to recruit and retain adults to share health information and participate in research that uses this data.
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.