How mitochondrial DNA and ZBP1 contribute to vision loss in glaucoma
The Role of mtDNA/ZBP1 in Retinal Neurodegeneration
This project looks at whether damaged mitochondrial DNA and the sensor protein ZBP1 cause retinal nerve cell loss in people with glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261171 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how mitochondrial DNA damaged by stress can leak out of cells and activate the immune sensor ZBP1, potentially triggering inflammation and death of retinal ganglion cells that carry vision signals. They will use laboratory cell models and animal models that mimic high eye pressure, and analyze human eye tissue or fluid samples when available to trace this pathway. The team will manipulate ZBP1 activity and mitochondrial DNA release using genetic and molecular tools to see if blocking these steps slows or prevents nerve cell loss. Findings could point to new ways to protect retinal cells beyond lowering eye pressure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with glaucoma, particularly those whose vision keeps worsening despite treatments to lower intraocular pressure, could be candidates to provide samples or join future clinical testing.
Not a fit: People without glaucoma or with other types of eye disease, and patients whose glaucoma is stable with current treatments, are unlikely to benefit directly from this research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets to prevent or slow vision loss in glaucoma patients who continue to worsen despite controlled eye pressure.
How similar studies have performed: Related research has linked mitochondrial DNA–driven inflammation to neurodegeneration, but targeting ZBP1 specifically in glaucoma is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Galveston, United States
- University of Texas Med Br Galveston — Galveston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Hua — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Liu, Hua
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.