Why the soft tissues behind the eye overgrow in thyroid eye disease
Official title: Molecular regulation of fibroblast activation in Thyroid Eye Disease
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11138621 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY031398-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138621 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woeller, Collynn Fremont — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Woeller, Collynn Fremont
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how IGF-1R affects thyroid eye disease
This study is looking at how a specific protein called IGF-1R behaves in people with thyroid eye disease, which can affect vision and daily life, to help find new ways to treat the condition.
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Understanding how immune responses affect eye tissue in thyroid eye disease
This study is looking into how certain antibodies cause inflammation and changes in the eyes of people with thyroid eye disease, which can make their eyes bulge and affect their vision, and it aims to find better treatment options for those affected.
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Imaging Comparison of 68Ga-FAPI and 68Ga-DOTATATE in Thyroid Eye Disease
This study tests two PET imaging methods (FAPI and DOTATATE) to see which best images activity in the eyes of adults with thyroid eye disease.
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IBI3031 in Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)
A first-in-human test in adults with moderate-to-severe TED to see if IBI3031 is safe and tolerable when given by shot under the skin or into a vein.
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AMG 732 for thyroid eye disease in a rollover, open-label study
This study tests AMG 732 in adults with moderate-to-severe thyroid eye disease who previously did not respond or relapsed, to see if the treatment helps symptoms and is safe over a rollover period.
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Teprotumumab N01 for adults with thyroid eye disease
This will try Teprotumumab N01 in adults with recent-onset thyroid eye disease to see if it reduces eye inflammation and improves vision and quality of life.
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.