6 things you need to know: Genetic markers for glaucoma identified

Researchers discover five genetic markers for glaucoma

Researchers recently identified five previously unknown genetic markers that are linked to an increased risk for primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), according to a study published in Nature.

The study examined the genetic makeup of more than 40,000 people— 10,503 cases of PACG and 29,567 controls—from 24 countries across Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.

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After meta-analysis of all patient collections, researchers identified the following new genetic loci, or specific locations of a gene, as causing an increased risk for PACG:

• EPDR1 rs3816415

• CHAT rs1258267

• GLIS3 rs736893
• FERMT2 rs7494379

• DPM2–FAM102A rs3739821

Researchers say the study also confirmed significant association at three previously described loci:

̢ۢ PLEKHA7

̢ۢ COL11A1

• PCMTD1–ST18

â€Å“I think genetic testing will come into play in many diseases, including glaucoma,â€Â says Optometry Times Editorial Advisory Board member Ben Casella, OD, FAAO. â€Å“As the human genome project continues to teach us—and cost of gene sequencing continues to decrease due to advances in biotechnology and competition among companies— genetic testing will become ever more commonplace in eye care and all of health care.â€Â

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