We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Gregory Borschel and Dr. Konstantin Feinberg have secured their first R01 grant from the NIH-NEI, totaling $2.5 million for five years. This significant achievement marks a milestone in their research careers and paves the way for groundbreaking advancements in stem cell biology, corneal wound healing, and novel wound healing treatments.
The project, titled "Mechanisms Governing Nerve-Mediated Control of Corneal Wound Healing: New Hope for Patients with Neurotrophic Keratopathy," aims to unravel the complex interactions between Schwann cells and limbal stem cells in the cornea. The team leverages their recent discovery that Schwann cells play a pivotal role in regulating limbal stem cell activity, which is essential for corneal maintenance and wound healing. Through this research, they hope to develop novel topical therapies for neurotrophic keratopathy, a debilitating condition leading to vision loss affecting 1/2000 people worldwide.
What Mechanisms Govern Nerve-Mediated Control of Corneal Wound Healing: New Hope for Patients with Neurotrophic Keratopathy (NK)?
“By understanding the basic mechanisms responsible for corneal wound healing, we will revolutionize surgical and pharmacological treatments for patients suffering from neurotrophic keratopathy (NK). NK leads to blindness and has otherwise had no cure. Unlocking this puzzle will enhance the lives of millions of people.”
- Gregory Borschel, MD
In addition to their NIH-NEI funding, Dr. Borschel and Dr. Feinberg will collaborate with the Technion Institute of Technology, led by Dr. Shalom-Feuerstein, a renowned expert in corneal epithelial stem cells. This partnership will leverage Technion's advanced human limbal stem cell culture systems to test and refine their findings, bridging the gap between rodent models and human applications.
"Based on preliminary findings, we hypothesize that Schwann cells (SCs) residing in the corneal limbus alongside LSCs are critical in mediating the innervation-dependent activity of LSCs. Therefore, we propose mechanistically defining the paracrine interactions between SCs and LSCs that regulate LSC activity, which, in turn, will enable development of novel topical therapeutics to treat NK in human patients."
- Konstantin Feinberg, PhD.
On top of this recent R01 grant – both PI’s have had a string of other research successes, further reflecting on their diverse and impactful research portfolio.
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Dr. Konstantin Feinberg, PhD: Knights Templar Eye Foundation ($90,000, 1 yr; Feinberg PI, Borschel, co-I).
Defining the Mechanism of NGF Activity in Cornea: Development of New Topical Therapeutics for Neurotrophic Keratopathy -
Gregory Borschel: Plastic Surgery Foundation (7/1/2024-6/30/2025)
The Role and Mechanism of NGF Signaling in Corneal Epithelial Renewal -
Konstantin Feinberg: Plastic Surgery Foundation (7/1/2024-6/30/2026)
Mechanisms governing nerve-mediated control of corneal epithelial renewal -
Gregory Borschel: Indiana Space Grant Consortium (6/1/2024-5/31/2025)
Development of a Novel Instrument for Assessing Corneal Sensation in Space -
Konstantin Feinberg: CTSI BRG (4/1/2024-3/31/2025)
Mechanism of Stem Cell Regulation in Corneal Epithelial Renewal: Promising Insights for Curing Blindness in Neurotrophic Keratopathy Patients -
Gregory Borschel: US Army (02/01/2024-02/01/2026)
A Tacrolimus-Releasing Nanofiber Nerve Wrap to Enhance Motor and Sensory Recovery in Injured Peripheral Nerves.
This R01 grant is a testament to Dr. Borschel and Dr. Feinberg's dedication and expertise. Their innovative research not only promises to advance our understanding of corneal wound healing but also holds significant potential for developing new treatments for patients with neurotrophic keratopathy. Their achievements underscore their commitment to advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes.
