Glaucoma gene identified

Researchers from the University of Iowa, USA have discovered that a gene and related signaling pathway play a role in the development of glaucoma.

Over-expression of the gene, sFRP1, has been found to raise fluid pressure in the eye. The effects of excess sFRP1 protein were tested on mice and human donor eyes and it was revealed that, when there was an abnormality the resulting proteins interfered with a singular pathway.

The research team believes that this discovery could eventually facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.