Targeting a specific protein to treat eye pressure and glaucoma
Official title: Selective Inhibition of GRP 94 to Treat Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma
Funded at University of Notre Dame · NIH-10859324 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Grp94 affects eye pressure and glaucoma, and it aims to find new treatments that could help people with these conditions by reducing harmful protein buildup in the eye.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $617,323 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036107-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10859324 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or those experiencing steroid-induced glaucoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of glaucoma not related to the mechanisms being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called Grp94 in the development of ocular hypertension and glaucoma, conditions that can lead to vision loss. The study focuses on how mutant myocillin, a protein associated with these eye conditions, causes cellular stress and dysfunction. By using selective inhibitors of Grp94, the researchers aim to reduce the harmful aggregation of proteins and restore normal eye pressure. Patients may benefit from new topical treatments developed through this research that could improve their eye health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for managing ocular hypertension and glaucoma, potentially preserving vision for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting similar pathways for treating glaucoma, indicating a potential for success with this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blagg, Brian S J — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Blagg, Brian S J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeted eye medicine to protect vision in glaucoma and steroid-induced glaucoma
A new eyedrop medicine that blocks a protein (Grp94) to improve fluid drainage in the eye and lower eye pressure in glaucoma patients.
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Repairing the eye's drainage support to lower pressure in steroid-related and open-angle glaucoma
This work tests whether reversing changes in the support tissue around drainage cells can help lower eye pressure for people with steroid-induced high eye pressure and open-angle glaucoma.
-
New Treatments for Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma
This project is working to find new eye drop treatments for glaucoma by targeting a specific protein that causes pressure buildup in the eye.
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Understanding how steroid exposure affects eye pressure and glaucoma
This study is looking at how changes in the eye's structure can raise pressure inside the eye, which is a problem for people with open angle glaucoma, and it’s exploring whether a treatment called tPA can help lower that pressure and improve care for patients.
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Investigating how glucocorticoids affect eye pressure and glaucoma risk
This study is looking at how certain medications for inflammation can raise eye pressure and increase the risk of glaucoma in some people, and it aims to find out if genetics play a role in who might be more affected, so we can help keep those at risk safer.
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Genomics of eye pressure and glaucoma risk
This NIH grant funds a short-term study to understand the genetic and cellular reasons behind high eye pressure and glaucoma, with potential to inform future treatments for people at risk.
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.