Glaucoma gene discovery by UI researchers

Iowa City, IA-The gene sFRPI plays a key role in glaucoma development, and researchers from the University of Iowa (UI) have found that an over-expression of the gene raises fluid pressure in the eyes.

The effects of excess sFRP1 protein were tested on mice and human donor eyes by researchers. They discovered that when there was an abnormality, the resulting proteins interfered with a singular pathway.

According to John Fingert, MD, PhD, a UI assistant professor of ophthalmology, the discovery could eventually facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.