Hyalocytes and glaucoma: how eye macrophages respond to pressure and help or harm vision
Official title: Hyalocyte responses in glaucoma
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11441351 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at hyalocytes, special immune cells in the eye, to understand how they behave in glaucoma and what that means for people who may lose vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $423,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY039494-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441351 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for glaucoma could benefit from future therapies inspired by this work.
✕Less likely to help
People with non-glaucoma eye conditions or those not involved in translational follow-up may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
Glaucoma damages retinal cells and their connections, leading to blindness. The researchers will map hyalocytes in the retina, see how they relate to other eye cells, and study how their numbers and shapes change with eye pressure. They will use high-resolution imaging and mouse models to observe hyalocyte responses during simulated glaucoma. This work aims to reveal cellular changes that could become targets for future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could identify new cellular targets to protect retinal cells and inform future treatments to slow or prevent vision loss in glaucoma.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary evidence in humans and animals suggests hyalocytes are involved in retinal responses, but detailed roles in glaucoma are not yet defined.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bosco, Alejandra — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Bosco, Alejandra
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
IOP and CSF Pressure in Glaucoma Risk
This grant studies how eye pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure together influence glaucoma risk and vision loss.
-
Comparing tube positions in glaucoma implants to protect corneal cells
This trial compares two tube placements for glaucoma drainage implants to see which better protects corneal cells and controls eye pressure in people with uncontrolled glaucoma.
-
Automated topographic test for glaucoma detection and progression
A new automated method uses topographic structure-function mapping to help diagnose glaucoma earlier and track its progression in patients.
-
Using AI on eye scans and genes to predict glaucoma risk
This project uses artificial intelligence on eye scans, vision tests, and genetic information to find people most likely to develop or have worsening glaucoma.
-
AI-based glaucoma screening in community health centers
A new, easy-to-use AI screening approach will be tested in federally funded health centers to help identify people at risk for glaucoma, especially in communities with higher risk.
-
Understanding how glaucoma genes control eye cell function
A long-term research project will study how genetic factors affect eye cells in adults with glaucoma to uncover new ideas for protecting vision.
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.