National Glaucoma Research - Current Awards Paul Russell, Ph.D.The Regents of the University of California-Davis Title: Biophysical Cues, Antioxidants and Trabecular Meshwork Co-PI(s):
Christopher Reilly, The Regents of the University of California-Davis
Summary: The capacity of trabecular meshwork cells to resist oxidative stress is reduced in glaucoma. Research to investigate this loss in protection of the cells has disregarded the importance of biophysical cues in contributing to the antioxidant status. This study examines the contribution of nanoscale surface features and biomechanics to the total antioxidant status of these cells. Program: Glaucoma  Brian C. Samuels, M.D., Ph.D.Trustees of Indiana University Title: Hypothalamic Control of Translaminar Pressure Gradients Summary: For a long time, scientists believed that glaucoma was caused by damage to the nerve in the back of the eye when the pressure inside the eye was too high. Recently, there has been new evidence that pressure inside the brain is also important. We will focus on finding out how the brain controls the pressure in the eye and the brain in an attempt to find new treatment options for patients with glaucoma. Program: Glaucoma  Joel Schuman, M.D.University of Pittsburgh Title: Spectral Domain OCT Doppler Assesses Aqueous Outflow Co-PI(s):
Larry Kagemann, M.S., Gadi Wollstein, M.D., Hiroshi Ishikawa, M.D.
University of Pittsburgh Haiyan Gong, M.D., Ph.D.
Boston University Summary: The most important factor to consider in glaucoma is the pressure of the eye, which is controlled by the slow outflow of fluid within a drainage system in the front of the eye. We have developed a way to visualize and measure how fast this drainage occurs without touching the eye, and without any bright lights. This project is vital in two ways: 1- in order to validate the new measurement in a controlled environment designed to be nearly identical to that of the clinic, and 2- in order to finally visualize, for the first time, the entire system as it functions. Program: Glaucoma Arthur Sit, M.D.Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Title: Characterization of Episcleral Venous Pressure in Humans Co-PI(s):
Jay McLaren, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Summary: Measurement of episcleral venous pressure is critical to understanding the changes in intraocular pressure that occur in normal and glaucomatous eyes, but no reliable method has previously been available for human use, resulting in an incomplete understanding of aqueous humor dynamics. We have developed a new technique and device to allow precise and accurate measurement of episcleral venous pressure by providing reproducible measurement endpoints. In this project, we further develop the technique and analysis software so that it is suitable for large scale projects, enabling future investigations into episcleral venous pressure and aqueous humor dynamics in normal subjects and glaucoma patients. Program: Glaucoma  Alexander C. Theos, Ph.D.Georgetown University, School of Nursing & Health Studies Title: Cell Biology of NMB in Pigmentary Glaucoma Summary: DBA/2J mice are an animal model of pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS), which is a precursor to glaucoma in humans. These mice are thought to have a loss-of-function mutation in the NMB gene that is responsible for this disease. Dr. Theos and colleagues are proposing experiments that will characterize the NMB protein within pigmented cells of the eye in order to understand how NMB functions in normal cells, and, in addition, how loss of function of NMB causes PDS. Program: Glaucoma  Derek S. Welsbie, M.D., Ph.D.Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine Title: Genome-wide RNAi Screening in Retinal Ganglion Cells Summary: Vision loss from glaucoma is caused by the death of retinal ganglion cells, important nerve cells which carry vision from the eye to the brain. Dr. Welsbie and colleagues are using gene therapy to better understand the signals that trigger the death of these ganglion cells. In doing so, these researchers hope to identify new drug targets that could be used to prevent cell death and vision loss. Program: Glaucoma  Shunbin Xu, M.D., Ph.D.Rush University Medical Center Title: MicroRNAs in Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration Summary:
More details Program: Glaucoma  Zhiyong Yang, M.D., Ph.D.Johns Hopkins University Title: Role of a Protein Kinase in Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration in Glaucoma Co-PI(s):
Donald J. Zack, M.D., Ph.D.
Johns Hopkins University Summary: The research proposed in this application will directly determine the potential value of a new protein target in the treatment of vision loss in glaucoma. In addition, Drs. Yang, Zack, and colleagues will evaluate a drug candidate that can block this target for its potential to preserve vision in a rodent model of glaucoma. Program: Glaucoma
Last Review: 04/29/13 |
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