Opioid signals and retinal cell protection in glaucoma
Opioid-Induced Epigenetic Mechanisms in Glaucoma
Researchers are exploring whether activating opioid pathways can change gene activity in the retina to help protect nerve cells in people with glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262859 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a rat model of glaucoma and laboratory tests to see if a drug that activates the delta-opioid receptor produces long-lasting changes to gene regulation in retinal ganglion cells. Scientists will measure DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and chromatin accessibility (including ATAC-seq) to map epigenetic changes tied to opioid exposure. The team will also examine enzymes like histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases that control these marks. Findings aim to point to molecular targets that could be developed into neuroprotective treatments for glaucoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with glaucoma—especially those with early or progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells or early optic nerve damage—would be the eventual candidates for therapies arising from this work.
Not a fit: Patients with very advanced, irreversible retinal ganglion cell loss are unlikely to benefit from epigenetic neuroprotection strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new ways to keep retinal ganglion cells alive and slow or prevent vision loss from glaucoma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies by the team showed that a delta-opioid receptor agonist produced long-term retinal ganglion cell protection in rats, but translating these epigenetic findings to human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Husain, Shahid — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Husain, Shahid
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.