Investigating how myeloid cells contribute to nerve damage in glaucoma
Official title: Myeloid cells as mediators of glaucomatous axon self-destruction
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11120200 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells affect the damage to nerve cells in the eye caused by glaucoma, and it’s testing whether increasing a substance called NAD+ can help protect these nerve cells and improve vision for people with glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $423,767 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY037445-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11120200 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of glaucoma or those experiencing early signs of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced glaucoma or those who have already lost significant vision may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of myeloid cells in the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in glaucoma. It aims to understand how increasing levels of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) can protect these cells from damage caused by elevated intraocular pressure. By using a novel model of axon injury, the study will assess whether interventions that boost NAD+ can reduce inflammation and preserve nerve function. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for glaucoma-related vision loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that protect vision in glaucoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with NAD+ boosting interventions in protecting nerve cells, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marsh-Armstrong, Nicholas R — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Marsh-Armstrong, Nicholas R
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.