How optic nerve support cells respond to pressure in glaucoma
Optic nerve head astrocyte sensitivity to glaucomatous insult
This project looks at whether brief pressure strains make the optic nerve's support cells more likely to drive damage in people with glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Upstate Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291856 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using a lab-grown 3D tissue system, genetically modified animals, and donated human optic nerve tissue to see how pressure-related strains change astrocyte behavior at the optic nerve head. In the lab they apply controlled biomechanical strains in hydrogels, study mice with altered Piezo1 function, and examine ex vivo donor tissue to connect findings to human eyes. The team focuses on changes in cell shape and mitochondrial (energy) pathways that could make nerves more vulnerable. Understanding these steps may explain why some people's optic nerves are more sensitive to raised eye pressure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal contributors would be people with glaucoma or eye donors willing to provide optic nerve head tissue or clinical eye samples for research.
Not a fit: People without glaucoma or those seeking an immediate treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to protect optic nerve cells or new drug targets to prevent glaucoma-related vision loss.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies, including the team's preliminary work, support Piezo1 as a mechanosensor and show similar astrocyte changes in vitro, though therapies based on this are not yet available.
Where this research is happening
Syracuse, United States
- Upstate Medical University — Syracuse, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ganapathy, Preethi — Upstate Medical University
- Study coordinator: Ganapathy, Preethi
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.