Targeting energy problems in glaucoma
Metabolic Vulnerability as a Diseased Target for Glaucoma
This work looks at how energy shortages in retinal cells may drive vision loss in people with glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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-11145729 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on how high eye pressure can create low-oxygen conditions that force retinal nerve cells to change how they make energy, which may weaken them over time. The team uses laboratory and animal models plus molecular studies to track changes in mitochondria, gene activity, and metabolic pathways in the retina and optic nerve head. They examine whether repeated switches from mitochondrial respiration to glycolysis create a lasting ‘pseudo‑hypoxia’ that undermines cell survival. The aim is to find ways to keep retinal cells' energy systems stable so vision can be preserved despite glaucoma-related stress.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with glaucoma or high intraocular pressure who are interested in contributing to research or in future metabolic-based treatments would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: Patients with vision loss caused by non-glaucoma conditions or those with very advanced, irreversible optic nerve damage may not see benefit from metabolic-targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to treatments that protect retinal ganglion cells and help preserve vision by stabilizing cellular energy and mitochondrial health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and animal studies have linked mitochondrial dysfunction to glaucoma, but directly targeting metabolic reprogramming is a newer approach that is still being tested.
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.