Understanding NFAT and scarring in the eye's drainage system
NFAT and fibrosis in the trabecular meshwork
This project explores how certain cell signals contribute to the eye pressure that causes glaucoma, hoping to find new ways to protect your vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11101369 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Glaucoma often happens when fluid in the eye doesn't drain properly, leading to high pressure that can damage vision. We believe that specific cell signals, involving a protein called NFATc1 and another pathway called αvβ3 integrin, create a cycle that increases a harmful substance (TGFβ2) in the eye's drainage system. This substance then causes scarring, blocking fluid outflow. Our work aims to uncover how these signals work together to cause this scarring and pressure buildup. By understanding this process, we hope to discover new targets for medications that could lower eye pressure and prevent vision loss.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with primary open angle glaucoma, or those at risk for the condition, could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients whose glaucoma is caused by factors other than the specific cellular pathways 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 combination therapies that effectively control intraocular pressure in primary open angle glaucoma, potentially preventing blindness.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific coordinated activation of NFATc1 and αvβ3 integrin in POAG is a novel hypothesis, components of these pathways have been implicated in fibrosis and glaucoma in other studies.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peters, Donna M — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Peters, Donna 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.