Functional Roles of Optineurin in RGC-5 Cells

This study examines how proteins are transported inside cells and how neurites grow. The study may enhance understanding of mechanisms leading to neuronal cell loss in glaucoma and facilitate development of new treatments for glaucoma.

The researchers will study the roles of optineurin, a glaucoma gene, in two cellular functions in neuronal cells. One functions relates to the transportation of proteins inside cells, and the other governs whether and how neurites extend or grow in the cells. This study will provide new information about the role of optineurin in these important functions. It should also help explain why and how abnormal levels or mutations of optineurin may lead to glaucoma.