Bmp7 and Glaucoma

This study will focus on understanding the role of a growth factor, Bmp7, in both the increased survival of ganglion cells and the disruptive changes the glial cells undergo during glaucoma.

Glaucoma often involves a build up of fluid within the eye that creates pressure on the optic nerve, killing retinal ganglion cells, the cells that communicate with the rest of the brain. There are also disruptive changes to the glial cells in the optic nerve, cells that normally support the ganglion cells. This study will focus on understanding the role of a growth factor, Bmp7, in both the increased survival of ganglion cells and the disruptive changes the glial cells undergo during glaucoma. This may lead to novel glaucoma therapies to save ganglion cells and decrease disruptive changes to the glial cells.