Understanding how mutant myocilin causes cell damage in glaucoma
Official title: Molecular determinants of cytotoxicity due to mutant myocilin misfolding
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-10942829 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a faulty protein called myocilin can cause eye cells to die, which might help us understand glaucoma better and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $447,479 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036396-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10942829 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a genetic predisposition to glaucoma, particularly those with mutations in the myocilin gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with glaucoma not associated with myocilin mutations or those with advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms by which mutant myocilin leads to cell death in the trabecular meshwork, a critical tissue in the eye that regulates intraocular pressure. By using a baker's yeast model, the study aims to identify the pathways that contribute to the cytotoxic effects of misfolded myocilin. This could help in understanding the early events in glaucoma development and potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies that address the underlying causes of the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of therapies that prevent or slow down vision loss in glaucoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding the genetic factors of glaucoma, but this specific approach using a yeast model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lieberman, Raquel L — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Lieberman, Raquel L
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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.