Investigating how stem cells in the optic nerve help with age-related vision loss
The role of optic nerve lamina region stem cells in age-related optic nerve disease
This study is looking at how special cells in the optic nerve might help protect your vision as you age, especially for people dealing with conditions like NAION and glaucoma, and it aims to find new ways to support the health of important eye cells to improve vision recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10874793 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of neural stem cells in the optic nerve that may contribute to age-related vision loss, particularly conditions like non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The researchers will explore how these stem cells, which are found in the optic nerve-laminar region, can support the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and how their depletion affects vision. By studying the effects of extracellular vesicles secreted by these stem cells, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies to enhance RGC survival and improve recovery from optic nerve injuries. The approach involves using rodent models to test the hypothesis that supplementing RGCs with these vesicles can mitigate stress and prevent cell death.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing vision loss due to age-related optic nerve conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with optic nerve diseases unrelated to aging or those with advanced stages of vision loss may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve vision and prevent blindness in older adults suffering from optic nerve diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using stem cell-derived therapies for neuroprotection in various neurological conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bernstein, Steven L — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Bernstein, Steven L
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.