Using AIBP to protect the optic nerve in glaucoma
Official title: AIBP-mediated neuroprotection in glaucomatous optic neuropathy
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11352275 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers aim to boost a protein called AIBP to reduce inflammation and protect retinal nerve cells in people with glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $54,055 |
| NIH project number | 3R01EY034116-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11352275 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with primary open-angle glaucoma, especially those showing progressive retinal ganglion cell damage or vision loss, would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical work.
✕Less likely to help
People without glaucoma or those with very advanced optic nerve damage where nerve cells are already lost are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a protein called AIBP that helps control cholesterol and inflammatory signaling in the eye. Scientists will use lab models and animal studies together with analyses of human eye tissue to see how AIBP affects inflammation, cholesterol handling, and mitochondrial health in retinal ganglion cells. They plan to deliver AIBP using AAV (a harmless viral carrier) to increase AIBP in the retina and measure whether nerve cells survive better. The work is intended to bridge laboratory findings and eventual therapies that could slow or stop glaucoma-related vision loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, increasing AIBP could protect retinal ganglion cells and help slow or prevent vision loss from glaucoma.
How similar studies have gone: AAV-based neuroprotection approaches have shown promise in lab and animal studies, but using AIBP for glaucoma is a novel strategy not yet tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ju, Wonkyu — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Ju, Wonkyu
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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.