Better genetic risk prediction for open-angle glaucoma
Official title: Optimizing genetic risk models for primary open-angle glaucoma through expanded population genomic analysis
Funded at East Carolina University · NIH-10879124 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $688,777 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033829-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10879124 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
East Carolina University
Greenville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooke Bailey, Jessica N — East Carolina University
- Study coordinator: Cooke Bailey, Jessica N
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving glaucoma risk predictions using diverse genetic data
A glaucoma study uses genetic data from people of African, American, and European ancestry to build better risk scores and help with early detection.
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Multimodal AI to predict glaucoma progression and guide care
A big-data AI tool uses eye images, scans, field tests, and health info to help predict who with open-angle glaucoma is at higher risk of vision loss so doctors can act sooner.
-
Replacing damaged eye drainage cells to treat glaucoma
This project is developing a cell-based treatment to replace lost drainage cells and help people with primary open-angle glaucoma keep eye pressure lower and protect vision.
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Improving risk prediction for glaucoma in diverse populations
This study is looking to improve how we predict the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma in people of African ancestry, so that they can get better early diagnosis and treatment options based on their unique genetic background.
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Using cell therapy to treat primary open angle glaucoma
This study is testing a new cell therapy to help people with primary open angle glaucoma by using special stem cells to improve eye function and lower pressure, which could help prevent vision loss when regular treatments aren't enough.
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Improving fairness in glaucoma risk estimation using artificial intelligence
This study is working on a new AI tool to help better predict the risk of glaucoma, especially for people in diverse communities like African and Hispanic Americans, so that everyone can get fairer and more accurate eye care.
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.