Creating a mouse model to study a genetic cause of glaucoma
Official title: Development and characterization of an inducible model for myocilin POAG
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10884405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating special mice to help us learn more about Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, which can cause blindness, so we can find better treatments for people living with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $196,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY034333-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884405 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of glaucoma or those diagnosed with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of glaucoma or those without a genetic predisposition to POAG may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new mouse model to better understand Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of irreversible blindness. The researchers are using advanced genetic engineering techniques to create mice that express a specific mutant form of the myocilin gene, which is commonly associated with POAG. By studying these mice, the team aims to uncover the mechanisms behind trabecular meshwork dysfunction and neurodegeneration in glaucoma, which could lead to new treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained through this model that could inform future therapies for glaucoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with glaucoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully utilized similar genetic modeling approaches to study other forms of glaucoma, indicating potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zode, Gulab — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Zode, Gulab
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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.