DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The glaucomas are a complex series of diseases, all of which have the eventual endpoint of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and blindness. They have diverse phenotypic and genetic risk factors including elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), decreased central corneal thickness (CCT), increased axial length, increased age, and increased cup-to-disc ratio of the optic nerve head. The present project uses the BXD RI mouse strain set to characterize two specific ocular phenotypes associated with human glaucoma - CCT and the loss of retinal ganglion cells due to elevation of IOP. These quantitative data will be used to define genomic loci modulating these two phenotypes. An extended analysis will identify candidate genes within the loci and also genetic networks formed by these candidate genes. In collaboration with Dr. Janey Wiggs, we will use a bidirectional translational approach to link common genetic loci modulating these phenotypes in the mouse to humans with glaucoma. Our collaborative group, including experts in mouse and human genetics, has already identified genomic loci in the mouse that modulate naturally occurring variation in CCT and also axonal loss induced by experimentally increased IOP. Our preliminary analysis of genetic modulators of CCT defines one significant locus on Chr 13 and several candidate genes, one of which is Lyst. In the human GWAS LYST has a significant association with glaucoma. In addition we have identified one significant locus on Chr 18 that is associated with axon loss following elevation of IOP. One gene in this locus (Smad2) has an association with normotensive glaucoma in humans. Combining our genomic analysis in the mouse with data from the human GWAS studies has allowed our group to identify two genes (LYST and SMAD2) that may contribute to human glaucoma. We will expand this approach to expose additional candidate genes and gene networks in the mouse related to human glaucoma. These studies will also allow us to define in the mouse the complex interactions between different genes associated with human glaucoma.

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The underlying causes of the majority of glaucoma cases are not known and this limits the treatment options to one, lowering the intraocular pressure. This proposal will identify gene loci that modulate glaucoma severity and will expand the list of genes that are known to contribute to glaucoma. In addition, we will define mouse models that will aid in understanding the complex genetic interactions associated with glaucoma.