IU researchers model human stem cells to identify degeneration in glaucoma

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June 11, 2020

Genetics Glaucoma Regenerative Medicine Stem Cells

Basic Research

Grantee

Image of fluorescent cells in iris-like pattern

Image credit: IU School of Medicine

More than 3 million Americans have glaucoma, a serious eye condition causing vision loss. Using human stem cell models, researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine found they could analyze deficits within cells damaged by glaucoma, with the potential to use this information to develop new strategies to slow the disease process.

The study focused on targeting genetic mutations within retinal ganglion cells, which serve as the connection between the eye and the brain. Researchers found that when differentiating pluripotent human stem cells into retinal ganglion cells, they were able to identify characteristics associated with neurodegeneration in glaucoma.