Improving glaucoma risk predictions using diverse genetic data
Official title: Optimizing genetic risk models for primary open-angle glaucoma through expanded population genomic analysis
Funded at East Carolina University · NIH-11386975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A glaucoma study uses genetic data from people of African, American, and European ancestry to build better risk scores and help with early detection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Carolina University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greenville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $681,489 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033829-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11386975 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with or at risk for POAG, especially those of African, American, or European ancestry.
✕Less likely to help
People without POAG or risk factors, or those not represented in the studied ancestry groups, may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project combines large datasets from diverse populations to refine genetic risk scores for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Researchers will analyze existing genome-wide data to find new POAG-related genetic regions and study how ancestry influences risk. They will then fine-map these regions to understand which genetic factors drive POAG in different populations. The goal is to create more accurate risk predictions that work for people with African, American, and European ancestry, improving early detection and management. The work is conducted at East Carolina University under the leadership of Jessica N. Cooke Bailey.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive earlier and more accurate risk assessments for POAG, guiding timely monitoring and treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior POAG genetic studies have identified loci, but this project aims to improve equity by including more diverse ancestries.
Where this research is happening
-
East Carolina University
Greenville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooke Bailey, Jessica N — East Carolina University
- Study coordinator: Cooke Bailey, Jessica N
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This project will build more accurate genetic risk tools for people at risk of open-angle glaucoma by including more diverse ancestry groups in the analysis.
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This study is working on a new AI tool to help better predict the risk of glaucoma, especially for people in diverse communities like African and Hispanic Americans, so that everyone can get fairer and more accurate eye care.
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.