New study identifies genes and cell types that potentially contribute to primary open-angle glaucoma formation

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A new study has uncovered genes, biological processes, and cell types that may affect the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The study, published in Nature Communications by Mass Eye and Ear researchers, came to these conclusions by combining “genetic discoveries from a large cross-ancestry genome-wide association study meta-analysis of POAG and a large meta-analysis of intraocular pressure (IOP) with genetic regulation studies and single cell expression measurements in glaucoma-relevant eye tissues,” according to a news brief.

Work for the study was completed in collaboration with the International Glaucoma Genetics Consortium, along with the laboratories of Josh Sanes, Harvard University; Rui Chen, Baylor College of Medicine; Veronique Vitart, The University of Edinburgh; Skanda Rajasundaram, Imperial College London; and Anand Swaroop, NEI. The study on the meta-analysis of POAG was led by Janey Wiggs, MD, PhD.¹

“Our work has generated new insights into POAG mechanisms, which could inform the development of novel therapies targeting IOP reduction and neuroprotection,” said Ayellet Segré, PhD, in the release. “For example, this research suggests that targeting neuronal support cells, in addition to retinal ganglion cells, may be important to consider in the design of new drug and cell therapies. Through our ongoing work aimed at detecting genetic regulation of gene expression in glaucoma-relevant eye tissues, we hope in the future to provide a more complete understanding of POAG risk and IOP variation.”

Hundreds of genes and regulatory effects were found to underlay over 100 loci associated with either, or both, POAG and IOP, by the group of researchers, led by Segré. These loci contribute to glaucoma risk by means of altering gene expression levels.¹ “These genes are enriched in biological pathways implicated in disease mechanisms, including elastic fiber formation and extracellular matrix organization, vascular development, and neuronal related processes,” stated the brief.

Researchers were also able to identify less well-established cell types where gene dysregulation could affect optic nerve degeneration. The researchers compiled data from fibroblasts in conventional and unconventional outflow pathways, as well as the surrounding region of the optic nerve head, astrocytes in the retina and optic nerve head and oligodendrocytes and vascular cells in the optic nerve head to come to these conclusions. As a whole, the single-nucleus gene expression data was sourced from aqueous humor outflow pathways, retina, and the optic nerve head and surrounding posterior tissues.¹

The brief stated that identifying these pathways can provide new insights regarding gene expression and post-transcriptional gene regulation. This could lead to drug design improvements for glaucoma.

Reference:

1. Researchers identify genes and cell types that may have causal role in primary open-angle glaucoma. Mass Eye and Ear. Research Brief. Published February 15, 2024. Accessed February 19, 2024. https://www.masseyeandear.org/news/articles/2024/researchers-identify-genes-cell-types-primary-open-angle-glaucoma-formation