Studying glaucomatous neurodegeneration in the context of microglia, currently an under-researched phenomenon, could provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanism behind retinal ganglion cell loss associated with glaucoma. We will utilize the Howell Lab’s expertise in human and mouse genetics and vision research to investigate the role transcriptional states of microglia play in the development of glaucoma. We will also examine how the GPNMB gene that has been previously implicated in microglial activation affects glaucoma-relevant outcomes using both in vivo and in vitro approaches.
