Researchers from Augusta University have found a variation of the miR-182 gene in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) that instead of helping to regulate intraocular pressure has the opposite effect.
According to investigators who performed a genetic analysis of eye tissues and fluids from the National Eye Institute Glaucoma Human Genetics Collaboration Heritable Overall Operational Database (NEIGHBORHOOD), they consistently found a higher expression of miR-182 in eye tissues from patients with high-tension glaucoma. Researchers reportedly found the gene appears to reduce the ability of cells in the eye's trabecular meshwork from continually moving out clear aqueous humor from the front of the eye.
The researchers have reportedly received a two-year grant from the Bright Focus Foundation to explore the impact of current drug therapy on miR-182 as it has already been associated with premature aging of the eye.
Results of this study were recently published in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.
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Source: Augusta University