Epigenetic control of optic nerve head cells in glaucoma
Official title: Epigenetic regulation of optic nerve head astrocyte reactivity in glaucoma
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11430238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant aims to understand how age and eye pressure change specific brain-like cells at the optic nerve head to influence glaucoma progression and retinal cell survival.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $569,745 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY039258-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11430238 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with glaucoma or age-related optic nerve changes who could contribute samples or participate in future translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without glaucoma or optic nerve disease are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
Glaucoma damages vision as people age and intraocular pressure rises. The project studies astrocytes at the optic nerve head and how their gene activity and epigenetic marks respond to cAMP signaling, potentially affecting inflammation and nerve cell health. Using aged mice and human glaucoma samples, researchers will map molecular changes, test how FOXO1 and HDAC8 regulate protective genes, and explore how these pathways influence retinal ganglion cell survival. The goal is to identify targets that could be translated into therapies to slow or prevent vision loss in glaucoma patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of glaucoma biology could lead to new treatments that protect retinal cells and preserve vision.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showing cAMP signaling and epigenetic regulators affect astrocyte function and neuronal survival supports potential benefit, though the specific pathway is being explored in glaucoma.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cameron, Evan G — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Cameron, Evan G
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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.