Understanding a Protein's Role in Glaucoma and Eye Pressure
Thrombospondin-1 in normal and glaucomatous trabecular meshwork
This project looks at a specific protein called thrombospondin-1 to understand how it contributes to high eye pressure in people with glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093505 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss, often caused by high pressure inside the eye. This high pressure happens when fluid doesn't drain properly from the front of the eye, specifically in a tissue called the trabecular meshwork. We believe that changes in the building blocks of this tissue, particularly a protein called thrombospondin-1, might be causing this drainage problem. Our work explores how a specific genetic change in this protein could lead to increased eye pressure in individuals with glaucoma. By understanding this connection, we hope to uncover new ways to help manage or treat glaucoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, especially those with a family history of the condition or elevated intraocular pressure, might be ideal candidates for future related studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose glaucoma is not related to the specific protein or genetic variant being studied may not directly benefit from this particular line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to identify individuals at risk for glaucoma or develop new treatments that target the specific protein causing high eye pressure.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific link between this genetic variant of thrombospondin-1 and glaucoma is a novel finding from this team, research into extracellular matrix dysfunction in glaucoma is an active area.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keller, Kate E — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Keller, Kate E
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.