A new study demonstrates that increased protein expression (DNA to RNA to polypeptide to protein) of the protein sFRP-1 may be a causal factor for higher IOP in patients with glaucoma. This protein inhibits that capacity of cells to signal properly.
Researchers found this result by analyzing eye tissue from glaucoma patients and if they applied sFRP-1 to donor eye tissue in lab conditions, these eye tissues has less fluid outflow compared to normal eyes. The lab eyes also had less expression of another protein, WNT, involved in the signaling process
The researchers further tested their premise with lab mice who were genetically altered to express sFRP-1 in their eye tissue – the result was that the mice also had higher IOPs. They were able to reverse and thus resolve the problem in the lab mice by addressing the issue of WNT signaling.
Read more about glaucoma, including information on lifestyle choices and nutrition for maintaining healthy vision.
Researchers: Alcon Research Ltd. and the University of Iowa
Published: “Increased expression of the WNT antagonist sFRP-1 in glaucoma elevates intraocular pressure”, Wang, et al, Journal of Clinical Investigation, 118(3): 1056-1064 (2008).