# Cellular, molecular and physical mechanisms of vitreous structural heterogeneity underlying posterior vitreous detachment

> **NIH NIH K08** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2024 · $190,244

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 This is a K08 award application for Dr. Eileen Hwang, a licensed vitreoretinal surgeon, to independently
conduct research studies to identify mechanisms of vitreous aging. The K08 will provide her the support
necessary to acquire critical skills in four key career development areas: 1) rabbit models of posterior vitreous
detachment; 2) cell-matrix interactions and mechanics; 3) quantitative image analysis; and 4) translational
research leadership. To achieve her goals, Dr. Hwang has assembled an interdisciplinary mentoring team
comprised of Dr. Brittany Coats (Primary Mentor), an expert in vitreous mechanics, and two Co-Mentors: Dr.
Paul Bernstein, an internationally recognized researcher of retinal biochemistry, and Dr. Bryan Jones, a
pioneer in retinal connectomics. Complementing these mentors, Dr. Hwang also has a 3 member advisory
committee to support her goal of developing models and methods for investigating vitreous aging.
 Retinal detachment leads to significant morbidity and impacts on quality of life, and new strategies for
prevention in high-risk individuals are necessary. There is a critical need to elucidate the mechanisms of
posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), the primary cause of retinal detachment. Dr. Hwang's objective is to
address the gaps in current knowledge about vitreous structure and aging. Her research will result in
preliminary data and models to support future proposals investigating whether biological manipulation of
vitreous structure can affect PVD in rabbit models. She proposes the following Specific Aims: Aim 1] Identify
the effect of decreasing type IX collagen on vitreous structure; Aim 2] Determine the role of hyalocytes in
vitreous aging; and Aim 3] Establish the relationships between eye motion, structural heterogeneity, and PVD.
 The proposed research is significant because it will: 1) determine whether age-related loss of type IX
collagen and increased hyalocyte degradation are pathways that could be blocked to prevent PVD and prevent
retinal detachment in high risk individuals, and 2) develop cell culture and animal models of vitreous aging to
enable mechanistic and therapeutic studies. The proposed research is innovative because it will apply cellular
and molecular specificity to inhibit PVD.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10916425
- **Project number:** 5K08EY034549-02
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** Eileen S Hwang
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $190,244
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-30 → 2028-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10916425

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10916425, Cellular, molecular and physical mechanisms of vitreous structural heterogeneity underlying posterior vitreous detachment (5K08EY034549-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10916425. Licensed CC0.

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