Replacing damaged eye drainage cells to treat glaucoma
Translational Studies toward Cell Therapy for Treatment of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
This project is developing a cell-based treatment to replace lost drainage cells and help people with primary open-angle glaucoma keep eye pressure lower and protect vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa City VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175341 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to make cells that act like the eye's trabecular meshwork (TM) and testing whether putting those cells into the eye can restore drainage. In mouse models of glaucoma, these iPSC-derived TM cells have repopulated the damaged tissue, lowered intraocular pressure, and prevented vision loss. The current work will refine the cell product, study safety and function in preparation for approaches suitable for people with primary open-angle glaucoma. If successful, the team aims to move this approach toward clinical testing in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with primary open-angle glaucoma and elevated intraocular pressure who have ongoing pressure despite medications or who seek longer-term treatments would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People with angle-closure glaucoma, vision loss from non-glaucomatous causes, or very advanced optic nerve damage are unlikely to benefit from this cell-replacement approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a long-lasting way to lower eye pressure and slow or prevent vision loss from primary open-angle glaucoma.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in mouse glaucoma models using iPSC-derived trabecular meshwork cells have reduced eye pressure and preserved vision, but human clinical testing has not yet been reported.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- Iowa City VA Medical Center — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuehn, Markus H. — Iowa City VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kuehn, Markus H.
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.