Investigating the role of mitochondrial DNA in retinal cell degeneration related to glaucoma
Official title: The Role of mtDNA/ZBP1 in Retinal Neurodegeneration
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11072853 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how damaged mitochondrial DNA might make glaucoma worse by causing cell death in the eye, and it aims to find new ways to treat glaucoma that go beyond just lowering eye pressure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $618,088 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY037126-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072853 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with glaucoma who are experiencing progressive vision loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with glaucoma who have stable vision and are not experiencing any degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) contributes to the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. The study aims to explore the mechanisms by which damaged mtDNA activates immune responses that may exacerbate cell death in the retina. By examining the interaction between mtDNA and the ZBP1 protein, which is involved in recognizing DNA and RNA, the researchers hope to uncover new therapeutic targets beyond just lowering intraocular pressure. This could lead to innovative treatments that address the underlying causes of glaucoma-related vision loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or slow down vision loss in glaucoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting mitochondrial dysfunction can be beneficial in neurodegenerative conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Hua — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Liu, Hua
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.