Estrogen’s role in eye pressure and glaucoma risk
Official title: Estrogen and its receptor in intraocular pressure regulation
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11605944 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how estrogen and its receptors might control eye pressure in people with a common form of glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $383,430 |
| NIH project number | 7R01EY032960-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11605944 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with primary open-angle glaucoma or at risk due to high eye pressure may benefit from future findings.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without glaucoma or eye pressure issues may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how the body’s estrogen signals, through ESR1 and GPER1, could influence the pressure inside the eye by affecting the cells that drain eye fluid. Researchers will analyze genetic clues and use lab studies to understand how estrogen-related pathways change the outflow of aqueous humor in the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm’s canal. The goal is to identify new targets that could lower eye pressure more effectively for patients with open-angle glaucoma and progressive vision loss. The study combines bioinformatics with laboratory experiments to link genetic findings to potential treatments. Participation would advance our understanding of a hormone pathway that might be influencing a key disease feature.”
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new ways to lower eye pressure and slow vision loss in glaucoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests estrogen pathways may be linked to eye pressure, but identifying causal targets remains ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Yutao — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Liu, Yutao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
All of Us Biobank expansion and biospecimen program
A large Mayo Clinic–led project to collect and store biological samples from a diverse group of adults in the U.S. to advance precision medicine.
-
How baclofen and spinal cord stimulation interact in people with spinal cord injury
This study looks at how a common antispasmodic medicine (baclofen) works together with spinal cord stimulation in people who have spinal cord injuries and live with spasticity.
-
Pragmatic midodrine trial to reduce ICU vasopressor use in septic shock
A practical, patient-focused trial tests whether taking oral midodrine can lessen the need for IV vasopressors and shorten ICU stays for people with sepsis-related low blood pressure.
-
Gut-brain connections in Parkinson’s disease: how the gut and environment shape symptoms
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how gut problems, environmental factors, and genetics together influence Parkinson’s disease and its GI symptoms to find biomarkers and better understanding of the disease.
-
ARTFL LEFFTDS Frontotemporal Dementia study cycle 2
This NIH grant supports a longitudinal study to understand and track frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and related disorders in people, aiming to uncover biomarkers and disease progression information that could help patients and families.
-
ARTFL-LEFFTDS: Following Frontotemporal Degeneration Over Time
A long-term study following people at risk or with frontotemporal lobar degeneration to understand how the disease progresses and identify markers that could guide future treatments.
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.