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Grants > Novel Mechanisms to Regulate Eye Pressure Updated On: Jul 10, 2025
National Glaucoma Research Grant

Novel Mechanisms to Regulate Eye Pressure

Controlling Eye Pressure in New Ways
Colleen McDowell

Principal Investigator

Colleen McDowell, PhD

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI, USA

About the Research Project

Program

National Glaucoma Research

Award Type

Standard

Award Amount

$182,000

Active Dates

July 01, 2025 - June 30, 2027

Grant ID

G2025010S

Goals

The goal of this project is to understand how nerve innervation in the outflow pathway affects aqueous humor outflow.

Summary

Elevated pressure in the eye is a major risk factor for glaucoma and is due to fluid build up and improper drainage in the eye. It is know that fluid drainage from the eye is not uniform circumferentially, and this study aims to study how these segmental differences in fluid flow are developed and regulated. These data will help identify novel mechanisms to lower pressure in the eye.

Unique and Innovative

Mechanistically, we hypothesize the CGRP positive sensory neurites modulate TM/SC homeostasis by releasing CGRP locally in response to changes in tissue stiffness, stretch, and/or elevated IOP. CGRP then acts on surrounding cells to initiate production and release of NO, modulate the ECM through decreased TGFß signaling, and increase phagocytosis – all known mechanisms to alleviate TM/SC pathology and reduce IOP. This hypothesis is innovative as it will identify a novel role for sensory neurite innervation in the outflow pathway.

Foreseeable Benefits

The goal of this project is to determine how high- and low-flow regions develop and are regulated, thus identifying novel therapeutic strategies to lower IOP in glaucoma. These data could lead to new therapeutic options for glaucoma patients.