Better genetic risk prediction for open-angle glaucoma
Optimizing genetic risk models for primary open-angle glaucoma through expanded population genomic analysis
This project will build more accurate genetic risk tools for people at risk of open-angle glaucoma by including more diverse ancestry groups in the analysis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Carolina University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greenville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10879124 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will be reading about work that combines clinical and genetic information from the largest worldwide datasets of people with and without open-angle glaucoma, with special focus on African and continental American ancestry. Researchers will run large-scale genetic meta-analyses to find new genetic regions linked to glaucoma, use admixture mapping to spot regions where ancestry affects risk, and fine-map key signals. They will then update polygenic risk scores so they reflect the full range of genetic variation across ancestries. The aim is to make genetic risk predictions more accurate and useful for diverse patient groups.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with or at risk for open-angle glaucoma—especially individuals of African, African-American, or continental American ancestry—would be most relevant to the work and any related data collection.
Not a fit: Patients with other glaucoma types or those seeking immediate new treatments may not see direct short-term benefit because the project focuses on improving genetic risk prediction rather than delivering a therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce genetic tests that identify higher glaucoma risk earlier and more accurately for people from African and American ancestry groups, enabling earlier monitoring and care.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have produced useful polygenic risk scores in European populations but those scores often perform poorly in African and American ancestry groups, so this work builds on known methods to address that gap.
Where this research is happening
Greenville, United States
- East Carolina University — Greenville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooke Bailey, Jessica N — East Carolina University
- Study coordinator: Cooke Bailey, Jessica N
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.