Neuroprotection of Retinal Ganglion Cells by VEGF-B

About the Research Project
Program
Award Type
Standard
Award Amount
$88,920
Active Dates
April 01, 2007 - March 31, 2009
Grant ID
G2007005
Acknowledgement
Goals
We hypothesize that VEGF-B may have a neuroprotective effect on the retinal ganglion cells. To test this hypothesis, we will use multiple approaches and methods, including both normal and VEGF-B transgenic mice, both protein and gene transfer, both gain and loss of function analysis, to investigate the neuroprotective effect of VEGF-B on retinal ganglion cells in vivo.
Summary
Glaucoma is the most prevalent form of adult optic neuropathy characterized by the degeneration and death of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Molecules with neuroprotective effect on the endangered RGCs are therefore much desired to preserve and rescue the RGCs and thus the vision of glaucoma patients. This research proposal is therefore designed to test in vivo the neuroprotective effect of one such candidate molecule, the vascular endothelium growth factor B (VEGF-B), and to further characterize the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying. VEGF-B has been shown to be a critical neuroprotective factor in the brain. Our current work has shown that VEGF-B may play important roles in the retina. The outcome of this study may lead to possibilities of novel therapy for glaucoma patients and more insight into the course of glaucoma.
Grants
Related Grants
National Glaucoma Research
Understanding How Variants in LOXL1 Affect Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma Risk
Active Dates
July 01, 2024 - June 30, 2026
Principal Investigator
Hannah Youngblood, PhD
Understanding How Variants in LOXL1 Affect Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma Risk
Active Dates
July 01, 2024 - June 30, 2026

Principal Investigator
Hannah Youngblood, PhD
National Glaucoma Research
Retinal Ganglion Cell Axon Degeneration in a 3D Microfluidic Hydrogel Model
Active Dates
July 01, 2024 - June 30, 2026
Principal Investigator
Shruti Patil, PhD
Retinal Ganglion Cell Axon Degeneration in a 3D Microfluidic Hydrogel Model
Active Dates
July 01, 2024 - June 30, 2026

Principal Investigator
Shruti Patil, PhD
National Glaucoma Research
The Role of Microtubules in Glaucomatous Schlemm’s Canal Mechanobiology
Active Dates
July 01, 2024 - June 30, 2026
Principal Investigator
Haiyan Li, PhD
The Role of Microtubules in Glaucomatous Schlemm’s Canal Mechanobiology
Active Dates
July 01, 2024 - June 30, 2026

Principal Investigator
Haiyan Li, PhD