Researchers from Liverpool University’s institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease have been awarded a grant to continue their research into a stem cell therapy for glaucoma.  The ground breaking research could help restore vision to millions of people around the world.

The grant was awarded to Dr Carl Sheridan and Professor Colin Willoughby by the UK and Eire Glaucoma Society and International Glaucoma Association.  If the results of the study are positive it may lead into clinical trials and help other researchers in the field.

The most common form of glaucoma occurs when the eye becomes inefficient at draining excess fluid, leading to a buildup of pressure in the eye.  This increased eye pressure can damage the optic nerve, eventually causing blindness. 

In a healthy eye, excess fluid drains out through the trabecular meshwork.  Unfortunately, as people age, the trabecular meshwork can lose cells and become ineffective.

The research team will extract DNA from trabecular meshwork cells and sequence it to understand why it stops working correctly.  They will also look for changes in the genes that cause the cells to die off.

Professor Colin Willoughby explains the process, saying: “The aim of our research is to identify and examine the capacity of these stem cells to repopulate and function in the outflow pathway with a view of developing new treatment strategies for glaucoma. This could be achieved by either direct delivery of donor stem cells or activation of the patients own stem cells.”

Previous research has indicated that stem cells may improve aqueous drainage and slow the progression of the disease.  This new research aims to fine tune delivery to the outflow pathway in the eyes by better understanding how the cells in the trabecular meshwork function.  Researchers hope it will lead to a more effective stem cell therapy for treating or preventing glaucoma.

Source: Researchers receive grant to help develop stem cell therapy for glaucoma

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