Genomics of eye pressure and glaucoma risk
Official title: Genomics of ocular hypertension: a unifying hypothesis
Funded at Tufts Medical Center · NIH-11355841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant funds a short-term study to understand the genetic and cellular reasons behind high eye pressure and glaucoma, with potential to inform future treatments for people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $490,875 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY039036-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11355841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with high intraocular pressure or glaucoma risk, and others contributing eye tissue or genetic samples for research.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without glaucoma risk or eye pressure issues are unlikely to directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at why some people develop high intraocular pressure and glaucoma by studying eye tissues and genetic factors. Researchers will use advanced imaging and genetic data to link variations in genes to changes in the eye's drainage system. The goal is to uncover mechanisms like tissue stiffness and fibrosis that raise pressure, which could guide new therapies for patients at risk of vision loss. The work is designed to translate genetic findings into better risk prediction and, eventually, personalized care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to improved risk assessment and new targets for treatments to lower eye pressure and prevent glaucoma-related vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has linked genetic factors to glaucoma and eye pressure; this study extends those insights to additional glaucoma forms, with potential for meaningful progress.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fini, M Elizabeth — Tufts Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Fini, M Elizabeth
Related research
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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.