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This project is dedicated to addressing the critical requirement for novel therapeutic solutions aimed at preventing the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and safeguarding vision in individuals with glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness globally. Current IOP-lowering therapies have limitations, and about 10% of patients do not respond to them. The researchers propose an innovative approach utilizing adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV-2) for targeted delivery of small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) specifically to RGCs, as sHSPs have anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The core objective is to explore the potential of AAV-2-mediated expression of sHSPs in shielding RGCs within animal models of glaucoma. This investigation is undertaken with the ultimate objective of developing a novel therapeutic strategy to combat this vision-threatening disease. Collaborators: Ram Nagaraj, PhD and Mi-Hyun Nam, PhD
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