In a first-of-its-kind breakthrough study targeting corneal Schwann cells for drug discovery, the Mohan Lab has identified Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) as a novel, druggable target for promoting axonal regeneration and restoring corneal sensitivity. Using a broad experimental strategy, the team defined DKK1’s role in corneal injury across two clinically relevant models: surgical lesions in mice that mimic human LASIK procedures and exposure to nitrogen mustard, an analog of the chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard. By developing a potent topical DKK1 therapeutic, they demonstrated the versatility of this Schwann cell–targeted approach for promoting nerve regeneration across both injury models. The study is published in the Journal of Neuroscience Research as an open access article
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jnr.70142
This work has also been featured in the UConn Today magazine
https://today.uconn.edu/2026/06/targeting-schwann-cells-a-new-approach-to-repairing-corneal-injury/.
and featured as a video on LinkedIn
The Mohan lab is supported by grants from the NIH Office of the Director, the National Eye Institute, and the Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation and Solomon Endowed chair.