Neurotrophin Signaling in the Human Trabecular Meshwork

The trabecular meshwork is an intricate system of drainage canals through which the intraocular fluid, also called the aqueous humor, drains from the eye. This drainage helps the eye maintain normal fluid pressure. Dr. Wordinger has hypothesized that a certain class of growth factors, called neurotrophins, play an important role in cells of the trabecular meshwork (TM). He hopes to improve our knowledge of the normal physiology of aqueous humor outflow via the TM and to determine if neurotrophins play a role in glaucoma. If the latter proves to be true, existing compounds for regulating neurotrophins can be tested for their therapeutic value.