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Abigail Hackam, Ph.D.
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Miami, FL
Title:
Neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells by Muller glia: Investigation of the role of the Wnt signaling pathway.
Non-Technical Title:
Investigation of novel treatments for glaucoma
Duration:
April 1, 2008 - March 31, 2010
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Summary: These experiments will determine whether Wnt molecules can protect retinal ganglion cells from dying, will identify how Wnts promote survival, and will elucidate the role of Muller glia in glaucoma. The results of this study will provide new insights into glaucoma and may reveal novel directions towards developing preventive therapies.
More details
Program: Glaucoma
Award Type: Standard
$100,000
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XiangRun Huang, Ph.D.
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Miami, FL
Title:
Glaucomatous Damage Mechanisms: Axonal Cytoskeleton and Relation to Birefringence of Retina Nerve Fiber Layer
Non-Technical Title:
How are Cellular Structures in Retinal Axons Damaged in Glaucoma?
Duration:
April 1, 2008 - March 31, 2010
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Summary: Little is known about the changes in optical properties caused by glaucoma, nor is it understood what changes in cellular structure might enable detection of abnormal tissue in patients. This study seeks to enhance this knowledge. Since change in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) structure precedes RNFL loss, detecting early structural change could facilitate treatment to prevent or even reverse glaucomatous damage. The study may also lead to improved sensitivity for RNFL damage in clinical testing of patients.
More details
Program: Glaucoma
Award Type: Standard
$100,000
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Tatjana Jakobs, M.D.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, MA
Title:
Astrocyte Reactions To Optic Nerve Damage
Non-Technical Title:
Supporting Cells In The Glaucomatous Optic Nerve: Harmful Or Helpful?
Duration:
April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2010
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Summary: The optic nerve is damaged in glaucoma which interrupts the communication of the eye with the brain. Non-neuronal (glial) cells in the optic nerve may be directly involved, either by harming the nerve fibers, or by protecting them. It is therefore important to understand the role of these cells in glaucoma more fully.
More details
Program: Glaucoma
Award Type: Standard
$50,000
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Mark Johnson, Ph.D.
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Title:
Biomechanical Characterization Of SC Cells
Non-Technical Title:
Cell Stiffness In Glaucoma
Duration:
April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2011
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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.
More details
Program: Glaucoma
Award Type: Standard
$84,197
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Paul Kaufman, M.D.
Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
Madison, WI
Title:
Vitamin D Effects On Anterior Segment Physiology In Monkeys
Non-Technical Title:
Vitamin D, A Potential Glaucoma Therapy?
Duration:
April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2011
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Summary: Is vitamin D a potential glaucoma therapy? Can it lower intraocular pressure after topical application? What are the target tissues in the eye and what is the mechanism for the intraocular pressure lowering effect?
More details
Program: Glaucoma
Award Type: Standard
$100,000
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Raghu Krishnamoorthy, Ph.D.
University of North Texas Health Science Center
Fort Worth, TX
Title:
Regulation of endothelin B receptor expression in glaucomatous optic neuropathy
Non-Technical Title:
Role of endothelin receptors in glaucoma
Duration:
April 1, 2008 - March 31, 2010
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Summary: This study will determine if endothelin receptors produce some of the nerve damage seen in glaucoma. Understanding how endothelin receptors damage nerve cells will provide valuable information for blocking these receptors and protecting nerve cells from further damage. This could lead to development of neuroprotective drugs to effectively treat glaucoma.
More details
Program: Glaucoma
Award Type: Standard
$100,000
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Raquel Lieberman, Ph.D.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA
Title:
Development of pharmacological chaperone therapy for inherited primary and juvenile open angle glaucoma
Non-Technical Title:
The search for a new therapy for inherited glaucoma
Duration:
April 1, 2008 - March 31, 2010
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Summary: The researchers' aim is to develop a new therapy for inherited glaucoma, which in many cases is caused by mutations in a protein called myocilin.
More details
Program: Glaucoma
Award Type: Standard
$100,000
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Alan Marmorstein, Ph.D.
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
Title:
Bestrophin-2 And Aqueous Humor Dynamics
Non-Technical Title:
Bestrophin-2 Protein And Glaucoma
Duration:
April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2011
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Summary: This study seeks to determine how the Bestrophin-2 protein controls the flow of the fluid in the eye, the aqueous humor.
More details
Program: Glaucoma
Award Type: Standard
$100,000
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Ron Ofri, Ph.D.
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Israel
Title:
Expression of ion channels during ganglion cell apoptosis. Implications for the pathogenesis of glaucomatous optic neuropathy and relevance for neuroprotective treatment
Non-Technical Title:
The role of electric current changes in loss of vision in glaucoma patients, and their implication for treatment
Duration:
April 1, 2008 - March 31, 2010
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Summary: This study investigates the ability of an epilepsy drug to reduce cell death related to glaucoma.
More details
Program: Glaucoma
Award Type: Standard
$100,000
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Darryl Overby, Ph.D.
Imperial College London
London, England
Title:
Role Of Inner Wall Basement Membrane In Outflow Resistance
Non-Technical Title:
How Does The Eye Control Its Pressure?
Duration:
April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2011
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Summary: What controls intraocular pressure? It is surprising that we still have no answer to this important question. The Specific Aims of our research will determine how intraocular pressure may be regulated by the basement membrane underlying the inner wall endothelium of Schlemm's canal.
More details
Program: Glaucoma
Award Type: Standard
$100,000
