Genes Behind Common Forms Of Glaucoma Identified

Researchers have identified two genes responsible for glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness and vision loss worldwide. About 2.2 million people in the U.S. have glaucoma. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is often associated with increased eye pressure but about one-third of patients have normal pressure glaucoma (NPG). Currently, no curative treatments exist for NPG.

Researchers including lead author Janey Wiggs, M.D., Ph.D., and LouPasquale, M.D. Co‑Directors of the Glaucoma the Harvard Glaucoma Centerof Excellence, analyzed DNA sequences of 6,633 participants, half ofwhom had POAG. Participants were part of two NIH‑funded studies: GLAUGEN (Glaucoma Genes and Environment) and NEIGHBOR (NEI GlaucomaHuman genetics collaBORation), conducted at 12 sites in the UnitedStates. Dr. Pasquale is also Director of the Glaucoma Service at Mass.Eye and Ear.

The results, reported online in PLoS Genetics (April 26, 2012), found that two variations were associated with POAG, including NPG. These are the first variants commonly associated with NPG. One variant is in a gene located on chromosome 9 called CDKN2BAS whereas the other variant is in a region of chromosome 8 where it may affect the expression of genes LRP12 or ZFPM2. These genes may interact with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), a molecule that regulates cell growth and survival throughout the body. Previous studies have also implicated TGF-beta in glaucoma.

This study has provided important new insights into the disease pathogenesis and will make future studies focused on translating this information into the clinic possible. Ultimately we hope to prevent blindness caused by this very common eye disease," said lead author Dr. Wiggs.

"This study has identified an important molecular pathway in the development of POAG. Control of TGF-beta might lead to more effective therapies for this blinding disease," said Dr. Hemin Chin, associate director for Ophthalmic Genetics at the National Eye Institute.

Source-Eurekalert