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Shaffer Fund for Innovative Glaucoma Research
The Glaucoma Research Foundation provides seed money for creative pilot research projects that hold promise. The National Institutes of Health and large companies may pass over the young researcher with an innovative idea, if there is no precedent. Armed with evidence made possible by GRF Shaffer Grants, scientists can often secure the major funding necessary to bring their ideas to fruition. It is vital that GRF invest funds in new high-impact research that may lead to major government and philanthropic support. Following is a summary of projects we are currently funding.
Soluble guanylate cyclase alpha 1-deficient mice: a novel murine model of elevated IOP and glaucoma
Emmanuel Buys, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA: $40,000
The goal of Dr. Buys’ project is to characterize a clinically relevant model for high IOP and glaucoma. His research will provide an outstanding opportunity to gain important insights into the disease process of glaucoma and may establish a new therapeutic target for the treatment of glaucoma.
Systemic delivery of a neuroprotective agent to protect against glaucomatous cell death in the DBA2/J mouse
Tonia S. Rex, PhD, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN: $40,000
Dr. Rex’s project will determine the effectiveness of a neuroprotective therapy in a model of inherited glaucoma. The therapeutic agent overcomes a major challenge of other neuroprotective treatments by its ability to cross the blood retina/brain barriers thereby negating the need for intraocular injections.
Nanoengineered In Vitro Trabecular Meshwork (TM) Model for Systematic Investigation of Aqueous Humor Outflow Resistance
Yi Zhao, PhD, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH: $40,000
Dr. Zhao’s project will enhance the understanding of the mechanism that governs the decrease of aqueous humor outflow that occurs in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The results will identify the role of various factors that govern the IOP increase.
Epigenetic regulation of HIOP-induced endogenous neuroprotection in rat retinas
An Zhou, PhD, Robert S. Dow Neurobiology Laboratories, Portland, OR : $40,000
The goal of Dr. Zhou’s study is to identify proteins that are uniquely expressed in retinas that have become resistant to reduced blood flow which can lead to glaucoma. Knowledge obtained from this study will help find new therapeutic targets for treating glaucoma.