Wnt signaling to prevent and treat steroid-induced glaucoma
The role of Wnt signaling in treating glucocorticoid-induced glaucoma
This project looks at whether boosting a cell pathway called Wnt can stop or reverse eye pressure and glaucoma caused by steroid (glucocorticoid) use, for people at risk of steroid-induced glaucoma and primary open-angle glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142529 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view as a patient, researchers will use lab mouse models that develop steroid-induced high eye pressure to see how turning Wnt signaling on or off changes outcomes. They will use special genetically modified mice (Wnt reporter and β-catenin knockout animals) and eye inflammation models to track effects on pressure and steroid anti-inflammatory benefit. The team will also study human eye tissue and cells and use epigenetic and chromatin assays (including ATAC-seq) to check whether the same mechanisms apply in people. The goal is to find ways to block steroid-induced eye pressure without stopping steroids from controlling inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who use or recently used steroid eye drops or systemic steroids and those with or at high risk for primary open-angle glaucoma.
Not a fit: People whose glaucoma is entirely unrelated to steroid exposure or who cannot receive Wnt-targeting approaches are less likely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that prevent or reduce steroid-induced eye pressure and glaucoma while preserving steroids' anti-inflammatory effects.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical lab and mouse studies, including preliminary work by this group, show promising effects of Wnt activation against steroid-linked eye pressure, but benefits in people have not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mao, Weiming — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Mao, Weiming
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.