Metabolic changes in the optic nerve that cause scarring
Optic nerve head metabolic change promotes fibrosis
Testing if changing cell metabolism at the optic nerve can prevent scarring that damages retinal nerve cells in people with glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Worth, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163462 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at why cells at the optic nerve head change their metabolism and cause scarring in glaucoma. The team will study optic nerve head astrocytes under glaucoma-like stress to see how pathways like glutaminolysis and YAP/TAZ drive collagen production and fibrosis. They will use lab models of the optic nerve head, including cell and tissue experiments and possibly animal models, to test whether shifting metabolism reduces fibrotic responses. Results will help decide if targeting metabolism could protect retinal nerve fibers from damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with primary open-angle glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure who are interested in research on optic nerve scarring would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without glaucoma, those whose vision loss is from other eye conditions, or anyone seeking an immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this early lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to ways to stop or reduce optic nerve scarring and help preserve vision in people with glaucoma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have linked glial metabolic shifts and glutaminolysis to fibrosis, but translating these findings into human treatments is still new and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Fort Worth, United States
- University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr — Fort Worth, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Inman, Denise M — University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Inman, Denise M
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.