Why the soft tissues behind the eye overgrow in thyroid eye disease
Molecular regulation of fibroblast activation in Thyroid Eye Disease
This research is looking at how immune signals make the cells behind the eye grow, turn into fat and scar tissue, and cause symptoms in people with thyroid eye disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138621 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have TED, this project looks at the orbital fibroblasts—the cells behind your eye—to see how autoantibodies and IGF1R signaling make them become fat cells and scar-forming cells. Scientists will grow human orbital fibroblasts in 3D culture systems and map the molecular signals that drive cell proliferation and excess matrix production. The team will test how blocking IGF1R and related pathways changes cell behavior and the production of hyaluronan and collagen. Some work may use tissue samples from people with TED collected at the University of Rochester to link lab findings to real patient biology.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active thyroid eye disease, especially those with recent or worsening orbital inflammation or who have Graves' disease, would be the most relevant candidates to donate tissue or join related clinical efforts.
Not a fit: People without TED, or those with long-standing inactive or fully fibrotic disease where remodeling is complete, may not receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets to reduce tissue swelling and scarring in TED and lower reliance on steroids or surgery.
How similar studies have performed: An IGF1R-blocking antibody (teprotumumab) has improved TED for many patients, supporting this molecular approach, but the detailed signaling steps targeted here are still being worked out.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woeller, Collynn Fremont — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Woeller, Collynn Fremont
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.