First Genetic Association of Increased Risk of Glaucoma in African Ancestry Populations
P
rimary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma and the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It is well known that populations of “African populations hold a African ancestry have the highest prevalence and severity of POAG, treasure trove of unexplored often leading to blindness early in life. genomic information. These Studies of POAG have primarily focused on European and Asian populations, while findings could help change African populations have been understudied the way researchers perceive and under-represented in genomic research. A genome-wide association study that included 26,295 participants—believed to be the world’s largest dataset of people of African ancestry with glaucoma—found that genetic variation among the beta-amyloid producing gene is strongly associated with increased risk of POAG in people with
glaucoma and other diseases and may provide solutions to combat disease.” Michael Hauser, PhD Professor of Medicine
