Helping optic nerves regrow by targeting cholesterol-making pathways
Regulation of successful optic nerve regeneration by the mevalonate/cholesterol pathway
Looking at whether boosting the eye's cholesterol-making pathway helps damaged optic nerves regrow to help people with optic neuropathies like glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310182 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses zebrafish, which naturally regrow optic nerves, to discover how a cholesterol-production pathway controlled by the gene srebf2 supports nerve repair. Researchers will use genetic and chemical tools in zebrafish to define the critical time when srebf2 is active and to identify downstream molecules that allow retinal ganglion cells to survive and extend axons. The team will test whether increasing internal cholesterol synthesis or receptors for external cholesterol improves regeneration. Results are intended to guide development of therapies for mammalian models and, eventually, patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with optic nerve damage from glaucoma or other optic neuropathies would be the eventual candidates for therapies based on this research.
Not a fit: People whose vision loss comes from non–optic nerve causes, such as macular degeneration, are unlikely to benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that encourage optic nerve repair and potentially restore vision lost to optic neuropathies like glaucoma.
How similar studies have performed: Zebrafish are well known to regenerate optic nerves, but applying the mevalonate/cholesterol pathway to promote regeneration is a more recent and still experimental approach not yet proven in mammals.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Veldman, Matthew B — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Veldman, Matthew B
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 below.