# Pathogenesis of Conjunctival Squamous Metaplasia

> **NIH NIH R01** · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2022 · $531,840

## Abstract

This proposal investigates the mechanisms by which retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A
suppresses production of inflammatory mediators that cause dry eye by monocyte derived cells
in the conjunctiva. Dry eye is one of the most prevalent medical conditions affecting tens of
millions in the US that decreases quality of life and productivity due to irritation and blurred
vision. A hallmark of aqueous deficient dry eye is loss of conjunctival goblet cells. Goblet cells
produce retinoic acid from vitamin A in tears. We hypothesize that retinoic acid signaling through
the retinoid X receptor on monocytes suppresses desiccation stress induced production of IL-12
and IFN- , cytokines that cause goblet cell loss. Three specific aims are proposed to investigate
this hypothesis in a mouse model of dry eye and in monocyte cell cultures.
The proposed experiments investigate the novel suppressive activity of the retinoid X receptors
on conjunctival monocytes and evaluate therapeutic activity of molecules that activate these
receptors. These include drugs approved for other indications and dietary supplements. At the
conclusion of this project, we will have a better understanding of the mechanisms by which retinoic
acid maintains a healthy ocular surface and prevents development of dry eye. The benchmark
accomplishments of this project will be a fundamental new understanding of the mechanisms that
contribute to goblet cell loss and new approaches to utilize natural retinoid pathways prevent or
treat dry eye disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10438872
- **Project number:** 5R01EY011915-23
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Stephen C Pflugfelder
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $531,840
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1997-08-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10438872

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10438872, Pathogenesis of Conjunctival Squamous Metaplasia (5R01EY011915-23). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10438872. Licensed CC0.

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