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National Glaucoma Research - Current Award

Dr. Mark Johnson

Mark Johnson, Ph.D.

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Title: Biomechanical Characterization Of SC Cells
Non-Technical Title: Cell Stiffness In Glaucoma

Acknowledgements: Recipient of the Thomas R. Lee award for National Glaucoma Research
Duration: April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2011
Award Type: Standard
Award Amount: $84,197


Summary:

Are the cells of the inner wall of Schlemm's canal stiffer in glaucomatous eyes than in normal eyes? If so, is this stiffness change responsible for the elevated intraocular pressure characteristic of glaucoma.

Details:

We are investigating the biomechanical characteristics of cells of the aqueous outflow pathway to see if they are different in glaucomatous eyes as compared to normal eyes. If so, in the future, we will explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this pathology, and potentially be able to develop more effective pressure-lowering treatments or a cure for this debilitating disease.

The specific aims of this project are to:

1. Use atomic force microscopy to determine if cells in the aqueous outflow pathway are stiffer in glaucomatous eyes as compared to normal eyes.

2. Determine the consequence of such a stiffness change on pressure-induced deformations of these cells.