Investigating how optic nerve cells respond to pressure changes in glaucoma
Official title: Optic nerve head astrocyte sensitivity to glaucomatous insult
Funded at Upstate Medical University · NIH-11024619 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high pressure in the eye can harm the optic nerve and how certain supportive cells respond to that pressure, which could help us understand why some people are more likely to develop glaucoma than others.
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 start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $387,428 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036880-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11024619 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for glaucoma or those already diagnosed with the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of optic nerve damage unrelated to glaucoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how elevated pressure in the eye affects the optic nerve, particularly the role of astrocytes, which are supportive cells in the optic nerve head. The researchers have developed a 3D hydrogel system to simulate and measure how these cells react to harmful pressure changes. By using advanced bioengineering techniques and animal models, they aim to uncover the mechanisms that lead to optic nerve damage in glaucoma. This could help identify why some individuals are more susceptible to glaucoma than others.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating glaucoma-related optic nerve damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding optic nerve responses to pressure, but this specific approach using 3D bioengineering is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ganapathy, Preethi — Upstate Medical University
- Study coordinator: Ganapathy, Preethi
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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.