Loss of vision in glaucoma is presumed to be due to compression of the optic nerve (ON) head by increased intraocular pressure (IOP), followed by ON degeneration and retrograde death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the RGC and ON degeneration is a prerequisite for developing novel neuroprotective treatments which is currently not available in clinics. Recently endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been shown to play a critical role in neuronal degeneration. Striking RGC-protection has been accomplished by manipulating two key downstream molecules of ER stress, deleting CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) or activating X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1). Of special interest, blocking the negative effects of ER stress also inhibited RGC death in a mouse glaucoma model. Thus targeting ER stress may have considerable therapeutic neuroprotective potential in glaucoma. This application will determine whether manipulating ER stress signaling molecules also rescue injured RGC axons in addition to RGC soma protection, through morphology and functional studies. Furthermore, efforts will be made to develop adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapies targeting ER stress to prevent neurodegeneration in mouse glaucoma models. New insights into the critical molecules that regulate RGC soma and axon survival can be translated into novel therapeutic approaches to prevent vision loss in patients with glaucoma.

Public Health Relevance

The proposed experiments will enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of axon and neuron degeneration in glaucoma and demonstrate the therapeutic potential of targeting ER stress in the highly relevant experimental models for glaucoma. The experiments therefore have the potential to develop novel treatments for this neurodegenerative disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
4R01EY023295-04
Application #
9002054
Study Section
Diseases and Pathophysiology of the Visual System Study Section (DPVS)
Program Officer
Liberman, Ellen S
Project Start
2013-03-01
Project End
2018-02-28
Budget Start
2016-03-01
Budget End
2017-02-28
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Temple University
Department
Pediatrics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
057123192
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19122
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