Exploring stem cell treatments for normal tension glaucoma
Official title: Stem cell approaches to normal tension glaucoma
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11004256 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some people with normal tension glaucoma, a type of eye condition that can cause blindness even when eye pressure is low, experience vision loss, and it's especially focused on a gene called TBK1 to find new ways to help treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY035801-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004256 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with normal tension glaucoma, particularly those with genetic predispositions linked to the TBK1 gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with glaucoma caused solely by high intraocular pressure or those without genetic factors related to TBK1 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the underlying causes of normal tension glaucoma (NTG), a condition that leads to irreversible blindness despite low eye pressure. The team is studying genetic factors, particularly the TBK1 gene, which has been linked to NTG. By examining patient-derived cells and engineered animal models, they aim to understand how dysregulation of autophagy contributes to retinal cell death in NTG. The goal is to develop new therapeutic strategies that specifically target this condition, which is currently underserved by existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that effectively treat normal tension glaucoma and prevent vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting genetic factors in glaucoma is gaining traction, this specific investigation into TBK1-related NTG is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fingert, John H — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Fingert, John H
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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.