BrightFocus Foundation’s National Glaucoma Research and Macular Degeneration Research programs have awarded funding to Dan Stamer, PhD, Joseph A.C. Wadsworth Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Vice Chair for Basic Science Research at Duke Eye Center, and Nobuhiko Shiraki, PhD, respectively, for their innovative research in vision health.
Dr. Stamer’s Project: Role for Angptl7 in Steroid Glaucoma
Glucocorticoids are widely used anti-inflammatory drugs that treat various diseases, but long-term use often results in elevated eye pressure, leading to glaucoma. Dr. Stamer’s project aims to understand how ANGPTL7, a glaucoma risk gene, contributes to increased eye pressure following glucocorticoid treatment, using advanced research technologies.
Dr. Shiraki’s Project: Immune Cell Roles in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes permanent vision loss due to damage to light-sensitive cells in the outer retina. While some immune cells help clear harmful debris, recent findings suggest distinct subtypes with different functions. Genetic analysis identified two subtypes in a specific immune cell, one of which may worsen inflammation. Studies with genetically modified mice showed that reducing certain molecules in these cells decreased retinal damage after light exposure. Dr. Shiraki’s research aims to clarify the roles of immune cells in AMD to inform therapies for preventing vision loss in patients.
Impact of Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration in the U.S
Outer retinal diseases, like age-related macular degeneration, cause permanent vision loss due to damage to light-sensitive cells. While some immune cells help clear harmful debris, recent findings suggest distinct subtypes with different functions. Genetic analysis identified two subtypes in a certain immune cell, one of which may worsen inflammation. Studies with genetically modified mice showed that reducing certain molecules in these cells reduced retinal damage after light exposure. This research aims to clarify the immune cell roles in AMD, aiming to inform therapies for prevention of vision loss in AMD patients.
Around 4 million U.S. adults have glaucoma—a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. caused by damage to the optic nerve. Because there are often no early symptoms, as many as half of those affected may not even know they have it until irreversible vision loss has occurred. Although there is no cure, early detection and treatments can help slow the disease’s progression.
Twenty million U.S. adults have macular degeneration—the leading cause of vision loss in Americans aged 65 and older. Early detection and treatment are crucial to slowing the disease progression and preventing permanent vision loss.
“This year’s grant recipients represent some of the boldest, most promising investigators in vision and brain health research,” said BrightFocus President and CEO Stacy Pagos Haller. “Their groundbreaking work brings hope to millions around the world with these debilitating conditions.”
BrightFocus is currently funding 87 active glaucoma and macular degeneration research grants worldwide—a nearly $16 million investment in promising studies toward improving early detection and diagnosis, advancing treatment options, and uncovering the root causes of disease onset. These grants are highly competitive and awarded following a rigorous review process by expert scientific advisory committees of leading researchers in the field.
BrightFocus Foundation is a premiere private nonprofit funder of early-stage research around the world to discover cures for diseases of mind and sight. Through its programs Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, and National Glaucoma Research, the Foundation has awarded more than $300 million in innovative research grants. Learn more at brightfocus.org.