National Glaucoma Research - Current Awards Wing (Chris) Lee, Ph.D.Mayo Clinic Jacksonville Title: Development of a Novel Therapeutic for Inherited Glaucoma Summary: The study proposes to develop a new type of medicine for a common form of glaucoma related to mutations in a gene called MYOC. Some inherited mutations can change the structure and property of myocilin protein, which can lead to toxicity and dysfunction of the eye cells responsible for regulating eye pressure. Dr. Wing Lee and colleagues will attempt to identify drug-like chemical compounds that can bind to and stabilize the structure of the mutated myocilin, which subsequently may delay the onset of the disease or slow down disease progression by correcting abnormal changes at molecular level. Program: Glaucoma  Christopher Kai-shun Leung, M.D.The Chinese University of Hong Kong Title: Role of CX3CR1 in Microglia Activation and Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration in Glaucoma - An in Vivo Imaging Study Summary: This study is designed to address the role of microglia activation in relation to retinal ganglion cell degeneration by directly visualizing the interaction between microglia and RGCs with live imaging with confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy in experimental glaucoma. We investigate if knocking out the CX3CR1 gene, a gene implicated in mediating the communication between retinal ganglion cells and microglia, could reduce the activation of microglia and enhance the survival of retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma. Program: Glaucoma  Leonard A. Levin, M.D., Ph.D.Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, School of Medicine and Public Health Title: Redox Sulfhydryl Modifications as a Glaucoma Biomarker Summary: The irreversible loss of vision in glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve and the death of nerve cells, but the details of how the damage causes the death is still not known. Dr. Levin and colleagues believe that there are one or more pivotal signals that are critical to this pathway, based on how they can be blocked by new drugs called phosphine-borane complexes. Identifying these pivotal signals could help with early detection of glaucoma, before it causes significant visual loss; could help in monitoring the response to therapy; and even help to design new and better therapies for the disease. Program: Glaucoma  Paloma B. Liton, Ph.D.Duke University Eye Center Title: Autophagy and Neurodegeneration in Glaucoma Co-PI(s):
Molly Walsh, M.D.
Duke University Summary: Under stress conditions, cells eat themselves to obtain the nutrients and energy required for survival. Drs. Liton, Walsh, and colleagues will investigate whether cell self-eating protects the optic nerve against the insult produced by chronic high eye pressure. Program: Glaucoma  Xiaorong Liu, Ph.D.Northwerstern University Title: Neurotrophic Mechanisms in Ocular Hypertension Mice Co-PI(s):
Liang Feng, Ph.D.
Northwestern University Summary: Our primary goal is to investigate how BDNF and NT-3 protect ganglion cells and visual function against IOP elevation. By combining transgenic mouse systems with laser-induced model of OHT, our experimental design allows neurotrophin signaling to be manipulated in vivo and the glaucomatous condition to be achieved at the same time. The results obtained from these experiments will reveal the roles of neurotrophin signaling in shaping retinal structure and visual function in glaucoma. Program: Glaucoma Jun Liu, Ph.D.The Ohio State University Title: Corneal stiffness and tonometric measurements of IOP Summary: Accurate measurement of intraocular pressure is important for glaucoma management. The clinical standard, Goldmann applanation tonometry is known to be affected by corneal thickness and potentially other corneal factors. This study investigates how corneal stiffness may affect the accuracy of Goldmann tonometric measurement of intraocular pressure. Program: Glaucoma  Weiming Mao, Ph.D.University of North Texas Health Science Center Title: Crosstalk of TGF-Beta and Wnt Pathways in the Trabecular Meshwork Summary: TGF-beta and Wnt signaling pathways are involved in intraocular pressure regulation and glaucoma pathogenesis. We are trying to identify the genes that mediate the crosstalk between the two pathways. By using these genes as therapeutic targets, we will be able manipulate both pathways at the same time and find a more effective way of restoring aqueous outflow in the TM, thereby lowering IOP and treating glaucoma. Program: Glaucoma  Shannath L. Merbs, M.D., Ph.D.Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Wilmer Eye Institute Title: The Role of DNA Methylation in Ganglion Cell Death Co-PI(s):
Raymond A. Enke, Ph.D.
Johns Hopkins University Summary: Although glaucoma is a common disease, little has been found in the way of a genetic contribution, suggesting that many genes and environmental factors may act together to cause the disease. In this study, Drs. Merbs, Enke, and colleagues are looking for "epigenetic" changes (modifications to the DNA that can be caused, in part, by the environment) in an animal model of glaucoma. They will also test whether manipulation of DNA methylation (a type of epigenetic change) improves retinal ganglion cell survival. Program: Glaucoma  Jason S. Meyer, Ph.D.Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Title: Patient-Specific Stem Cells for Studies of Glaucoma Summary: Dr. Meyer and colleagues are developing stem cells from individual patients with glaucoma that can be used to develop the cell types that are lost due to this disease. The researchers are using these cells to study specific features of glaucoma and obtain ideas to develop future patient-specific retina cell replacement therapies. Program: Glaucoma  Darryl R. Overby, Ph.D.Imperial College London Title: Are Mice Good Models of IOP Regulation in Human Eyes? Summary: The success of glaucoma therapies depends on how well they lower pressure in the eye, and these therapies are often developed with the help of animal models such as mice. However, it is not entirely clear whether the mechanisms controlling pressure in mouse eyes are representative of the pressure controlling mechanisms in human eyes. This project investigates whether mice are good animal models in which to develop better therapies to more successfully lower pressure in human eyes. Program: Glaucoma
Last Review: 04/29/13 |
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