Understanding how nerve cell damage contributes to vision loss in glaucoma
Official title: Mechanisms of NMDAR contribution to traumatic injury in retinal ganglion cells
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10758609 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the eye get damaged in glaucoma, which can cause vision loss, and it hopes to find ways to protect these cells and improve treatments for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $233,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY034561-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10758609 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for glaucoma or those already diagnosed with the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of vision loss unrelated to glaucoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are damaged in glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. By using a mouse model that simulates optic nerve injury, the study aims to identify factors that influence the survival of different RGC subtypes. The approach focuses on understanding the cellular processes involved in RGC death, which could lead to new strategies for neuroprotection and improved management of glaucoma. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative treatments aimed at preserving vision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that protect nerve cells in the eye, potentially preventing vision loss in glaucoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding RGC survival mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Poleg-Polsky, Alon — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Poleg-Polsky, Alon
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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.