Understanding how serotonin affects retinal health in glaucoma
Official title: Mechanisms of serotonin and serotonin receptor biology in normal and glaucomatous retinas
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11142502 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how serotonin, a chemical in the brain, might help protect important eye cells from damage in people with glaucoma, and it hopes to find new ways to treat this condition using certain medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $519,219 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035646-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142502 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma who may benefit from serotonin-related therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of glaucoma or those who do not have retinal ganglion cell degeneration may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of serotonin and its receptors in the health of retinal ganglion cells, which are crucial for vision and are affected in glaucoma. The study uses advanced techniques to analyze the expression of serotonin receptors in both mouse and human retinas, aiming to uncover how serotonin may protect against the progression of glaucoma. By examining the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on retinal function, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic mechanisms that could benefit patients with glaucoma. The findings could lead to new treatment strategies that enhance retinal health and slow disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that help protect vision in patients with glaucoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that serotonin may have protective effects in retinal health, suggesting that this approach could yield promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frankfort, Benjamin J — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Frankfort, Benjamin J
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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.