# Regulation of tissue repair and scar formation by the stromal niche

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA · 2023 · $434,897

## Abstract

Project Description/ Abstract
Corneal scarring is a public health problem and a very common indication for corneal transplantation.
Disorganized deposition of extracellular matrix or scarring occurs after different pathological processes
including corneal infections, congenital diseases and trauma. The long term goal of this proposal is to address
the innovative concept that reestablishment of a unique environment or stromal niche with its unique
mechanical and chemical cues is critical after injury to ameliorate scarring. Understanding the mechanisms
that direct reestablishment of stromal function after injury is a potential target for therapuetic interventions. Our
preliminary results support these concepts. The specific aims are to: (1) elucidate the regulation of collagen V
reexpression in the reestablishment of corneal stroma function; (2) determine the role of this unique
microenvironment in regulating keratocyte-fibroblast- myofibroblast differentiation; and (3) determine the roles
of collagens V, in regulating latent TGF-β activation and therefore modulating matrix deposition and scarring.
This work will provide critical information for the development of future medical or surgical therapies for
patients with corneal scarring and will open the door for therapeutic manipulation of the corneal stroma.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10694077
- **Project number:** 5R01EY034114-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
- **Principal Investigator:** Edgar Mauricio Espana
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $434,897
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2027-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10694077

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10694077, Regulation of tissue repair and scar formation by the stromal niche (5R01EY034114-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10694077. Licensed CC0.

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