NIH Reporter #5R01EY035319-03

Photoreceptor induction in wounded corneas

This NIH grant funds research on light-mediated corneal wound healing focusing on opsin photoreceptors, especially Opn5, to understand and potentially enhance healing mechanisms.

Description

The project aims to characterize the nature of light-mediated accelerated corneal wound healing and the role of opsin photoreceptors. The cornea is the most vulnerable part of the visual system to environmental injury. The research demonstrates that photoreceptors sensitive to short-wavelength light are induced in cells on the corneal surface after injury. The study hypothesizes that light modulates corneal wound healing via an Opn5-dependent mechanism, involving both photic and non-photic effects. The project will test light regimens, characterize signal transduction within Opn5-expressing cells, and investigate diffusible factors involved in Opn5 expression and communication. The approach includes in vivo and ex vivo experiments with mouse models, cultured cell lines, and extension to human and non-human primate cells to evaluate translational potential.

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