Lowering eye pressure by improving fluid drainage through the eye
The Aqueous Humor Outflow Resistance
Researchers will change key molecules in the eye’s drainage tissues to help fluid flow out more easily and lower pressure for people with glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132454 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on the tissues that control fluid drainage from the eye, especially juxtacanalicular and Schlemm’s canal cells and their basement membrane. Using advanced imaging and lab methods like immunohistochemistry and atomic force microscopy, the team will map tiny discontinuities in the basement membrane and how they respond to pressure. They will modify important molecules such as versican in lab-grown tissues and donor or model systems to see if those changes improve fluid movement. The aim is to learn enough about this biology to guide new treatments that help the eye drain fluid and reduce intraocular pressure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with glaucoma or consistently elevated intraocular pressure who are interested in research on drainage-pathway biology or tissue donation are the most likely candidates to benefit.
Not a fit: Patients whose vision loss is driven mainly by non-pressure factors, such as normal-tension glaucoma or unrelated optic nerve diseases, may not benefit from pressure-lowering strategies focused on outflow resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that lower intraocular pressure by improving the eye’s natural drainage pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies altering extracellular matrix components have shown promise in improving outflow in tissue and animal models, but clinical treatments based on these approaches are not yet established.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Acott, Ted S — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Acott, Ted S
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.