How serotonin affects the retina in glaucoma
Mechanisms of serotonin and serotonin receptor biology in normal and glaucomatous retinas
['FUNDING_R01'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11309685
This project looks at whether serotonin and its receptors help protect the retinal cells that are damaged in glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11309685 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team compares human retinal gene data with experiments in mice to find which serotonin receptors are present on retinal ganglion cells. They use mice lacking the Htr1b receptor, record retinal activity with ERG, OKR, and multielectrode arrays, and examine tissue under the microscope to see functional and structural effects. They also give SSRIs in drinking water and use eye-pressure models to see if boosting serotonin can reduce glaucoma-like damage. Together these approaches link molecular receptor maps to retinal function and glaucoma susceptibility.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with open-angle glaucoma or people at high risk for glaucoma would be the most likely candidates for related future human studies.
Not a fit: People without glaucoma or whose vision loss comes from other eye diseases are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to serotonin-related treatments that protect retinal ganglion cells and slow glaucoma progression.
How similar studies have performed: Some observational studies and animal experiments have hinted that SSRIs may slow glaucoma, but this project builds on limited prior evidence with new molecular and functional tests.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FRANKFORT, BENJAMIN J — BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: FRANKFORT, BENJAMIN J
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.