Boosting cGMP to protect optic nerve cells in glaucoma
Investigating the role of cGMP signaling in glaucomatous neurodegeneration
This project sees if increasing a natural molecule called cGMP can help protect the nerve cells that carry vision in people with glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11267235 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have glaucoma, researchers are looking at whether problems with cGMP — a natural signaling molecule that helps blood flow and cell health — contribute to loss of retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve damage. They will examine how cGMP interacts with nerve cells, supporting astrocyte glia, and tiny blood vessels using lab models alongside human genetic and ocular measurements. The team will test whether boosting cGMP signaling protects axons and cell bodies in models and then relate those findings to patient-linked changes. The aim is to identify molecular targets that could lead to treatments to protect or restore vision.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with glaucoma — especially those with progressive vision loss despite controlled eye pressure — who can attend visits at the study center.
Not a fit: People with complete, end-stage optic nerve loss or vision loss from non‑glaucoma causes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that protect retinal ganglion cells and slow or prevent vision loss from glaucoma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior genetic, patient-sample, and animal studies link reduced cGMP signaling to glaucoma and suggest neuroprotective potential, but therapies directly targeting cGMP have not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wareham, Lauren Katie — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wareham, Lauren Katie
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.