Using a technique they developed for studying human eye fluid, RPB-supported researchers at Stanford Medicine in California and their collaborators found a way to measure ocular aging, opening avenues for treatment of numerous eye diseases.
The scientists looked at nearly 6,000 proteins in eye fluid and found that they can use 26 of them to predict aging. Using artificial intelligence, they developed an eye-aging “clock,” indicating which proteins accelerate aging in various eye diseases—including uveitis, retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetic retinopathy—and revealing new potential targets for therapies.
The study was published in the prestigious scientific journal Cell. The researchers found that some cells commonly targeted in treatment are not the ones most involved in disease, encouraging a re-evaluation of therapies.
The researchers also found that some cells showed accelerated aging before symptoms appeared. Treating the molecular pathway early, said Dr. Vinit Mahajan, a Professor of Ophthalmology, and the paper’s senior author, could prevent disease damage before it becomes irreparable. And, targeting both aging and disease cells could make treatment more effective, Mahajan said, because the two appear to act separately but simultaneously to damage the eye.
Mahajan anticipates that researchers will also apply their new technique and aging clock to other organ fluids such as liver bile and joint fluid.
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October 24, 2023
Dr. Alex Huang of the University of California San Diego School of Medicine will study glaucoma filtration surgeries with the aim of improving surgical success for lowering eye pressure and providing neuroprotection.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) today announced the 2023 recipients of the RPB/AAO Award for IRIS Registry Research.
RPB acknowledges the passing of a dedicated former Board member.
Patricia Ann D’Amore, PhD, MBA, is recognized for ground-breaking contributions to the field of vision research.
Dr. Akrit Sodhi at Johns Hopkins Medicine has published a new study showing promise for an experimental treatment to prevent or slow vision loss in people with diabetes.
RPB launches awards in data science and Diabetic Eye Disease.
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