25th July 2024 – (Hong Kong) In the fight against glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, significant strides are being made in Hong Kong. Dr. Samantha Shan, a Research Assistant Professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Optometry, and her team have made a breakthrough in understanding the regulation of intraocular pressure (IOP), a key factor in the disease. This discovery could herald a new era in the treatment of glaucoma, aiming to prevent the vision loss associated with the condition.
Glaucoma affects approximately three in every 100 individuals over the age of 40 in Hong Kong. It is a disease where the damage to the optic nerve is often exacerbated by high intraocular pressure, caused by the impaired drainage of aqueous humour, the fluid within the eye. Current treatments focus on reducing IOP to slow the progression of the disease, but they do not halt it and may lose effectiveness over time.
Dr. Shan’s research has centred on the microRNA(miR)-17-92 cluster, a group known for its role in cell signalling. Her team has identified that this cluster can influence the levels of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), a protein that typically reduces the outflow of aqueous humour from the eye, thus increasing IOP. By mimicking three members of this miR cluster in human trabecular meshwork cells, which facilitate the drainage of this fluid, they observed a repression of TSP-1 expression. This led to a significant increase in fluid outflow in experimental models, suggesting a potential new therapeutic pathway.
The implications of these findings are profound. By manipulating the expression of TSP-1 through targeted genetic interventions, it may be possible to enhance the natural drainage of aqueous humour and effectively lower IOP in glaucoma patients. Dr. Shan’s team is further exploring this mechanism with the support of the 2024 Shaffer Research Grant from the Glaucoma Research Foundation.
The next phase of their research will investigate the direct interactions between specific microRNAs and TSP-1, and the effects of modulating this pathway on IOP in vivo. This will include experiments involving intravitreal injections in mouse models, which could pave the way for new, more effective treatment modalities.
Dr. Shan’s work highlights the importance of genomic and proteomic research in understanding and treating complex diseases like glaucoma. “The genomic and proteomic approaches help us identify key biomarkers and therapeutic targets,” Dr. Shan commented, “These findings not only advance our understanding but could lead to personalised treatment strategies for patients suffering from this debilitating disease.”