Researchers Identify Biomarker for Glaucoma Damage
Today, RPB-supported researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis published a study identifying a biomarker that could help to predict glaucoma damage before vision loss.
An optic nerve with glaucoma damage, signified by loss of color and a round rim of pink tissue within the nerve.
Photo credit: CARLA J. SIEGFRIED / Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
"There hasn't been a reliable way to predict which patients with glaucoma have a high risk of rapid vision loss," said principal investigator Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD, the Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
"But we've identified a biomarker that seems to correlate with disease severity in patients, and what that marker is measuring is stress to the cells rather than cell death. Other glaucoma tests are measuring cell death, which is not reversible, but if we can identify when cells are under stress, then there's the potential to save those cells to preserve vision," said Dr. Apte.
May 4, 2017
Related News: Feature Story, Glaucoma, Top Story
The Career Development Award Turns 30: Celebrating a Generation of Support for Early-Career Scientists
CDA founded 30 years ago as one of the few private sources of funding aimed specifically at early-career vision researchers.
Could An Eye Exam Reveal Alzheimer’s Disease?
Study from RPB-supported researchers at Duke University suggests loss of blood vessels in retina reflect changes in brain health.
New Findings on Blood Vessel Regulation
A study from an RPB-supported researcher at Northwestern University School of Medicine could speed up the diagnosis of retinal diseases.
RPB-SUPPORTED RESEARCHERS INTEGRAL TO NEI’S AUDACIOUS GOALS INITIATIVE
Vision scientists who have received RPB funding will help lead all five research teams, which will seek to accelerate development of regenerative treatments for blindness.
EMERGING VISION SCIENTISTS EDUCATE, THANK CONGRESS FOR RESEARCH APPROPRIATIONS
(NAEVR) held its Fourth Annual Emerging Vision Scientists (EVS) Day on Capitol Hill and twenty early-stage investigators participated.
RPB AND LCIF TO CONTINUE LOW VISION RESEARCH AWARD PARTNERSHIP
Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) and Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) announced today that they will continue their partnership in the RPB/LCIF Low Vision Research Award.
Subscribe
Get our email updates filled with the latest news from our researchers about preventing vision loss, treating eye disease and even restoring sight. Unsubscribe at any time. Under our privacy policy, we'll never share your contact information with a third party.
| General Info | Research Scientists & Grantees | Eye Care Specialists | Donors & Partners |
Research to Prevent Blindness
360 Lexington Avenue, 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 752-4333
Copyright © 2019 Research to Prevent Blindness. All Rights Reserved.
