Dr. Karnam Awarded Shaffer Grant by Glaucoma Research Foundation

Shruthi Karnam, Vision Science Assistant Research Scientist, was recently awarded the Shaffer Grant for the amount of $55,000 by the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Her research project, titled "Targeting Lipoxin B4 for Reversing Astrocyte-Mediated Neuroinflammation in Glaucoma" investigates the neuroprotective role of lipoxin B4 (LXB4), a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory molecule, in glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness.

Glaucoma involves the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), driven by neuroinflammation and reactive astrocytes. LXB4 helps reduce astrocyte reactivity and suppress harmful proteins like complement component 3 (C3), which are critical drivers of glaucomatous neurodegeneration. The proposed studies aim to identify astrocyte-specific signaling pathways through which LXB4 exerts its effects, uncovering novel therapeutic targets to preserve vision. By focusing on IOP-independent strategies, this research has the potential to transform glaucoma treatment by addressing neuroinflammation and protecting retinal cells. Learn more about Shruthi and her work in her profile, linked below.