Advanced two-photon eye imaging of retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma
In Vivo Function and Metabolism Evaluation of Glaucomatous RGCs by Two-Photon Scanning Laser Ophthalmology
A new two‑photon imaging method will watch and measure retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma models to improve understanding that could help people with glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310033 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at Stanford are building a two‑photon scanning laser ophthalmoscope to image retinal ganglion cell activity and metabolism in living animals. They will use genetically encoded calcium indicators and patterned light stimulation to record responses from different RGC types in mouse models that mimic both acute and chronic glaucoma. The team will track how cells change in real time during high eye pressure and after pressure is lowered or neuroprotective treatments are given. These detailed live measurements aim to reveal early dysfunction and treatment effects that could guide future patient therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early-stage glaucoma or those at high risk of glaucoma who might join future trials of imaging-guided neuroprotection would be most likely to benefit.
Not a fit: Patients with very advanced, end-stage glaucoma and extensive optic nerve damage are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical imaging work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal early cell changes and treatment windows that lead to better neuroprotective strategies to prevent vision loss in glaucoma.
How similar studies have performed: Related confocal in vivo calcium imaging in mice has demonstrated feasibility, but this two‑photon patterned-stimulation and metabolic imaging approach is novel and not yet tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Yang — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Hu, Yang
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.