This Project Grant award of $753,189 from the National Eye Institute (NEI) under the Vision Research program (CFDA 93.867) will support research to identify novel therapeutic targets for treating severe corneal epithelial defects. The research team at Trustees of Boston University, doing business as Boston University Medical Campus, will investigate the roles of different basal epithelial cell subpopulations in the central cornea, limbus, and conjunctiva during corneal homeostasis and wound healing. The goal is to reveal how the heterogeneity of these cells contributes to corneal health and repair, with the intent of informing new treatment approaches for conditions like persistent corneal epithelial defects and recurrent corneal erosion. This 5-year project commencing on August 1, 2024 will leverage the university's expertise in biomedical research and collaboration with federal agencies like the NIH to advance understanding of corneal epithelial biology and identify promising therapeutic targets.