Discovery of Natural Molecules Offers Promise for Early Glaucoma Detection and Neuroprotection

A scientific breakthrough from the University of Missouri (Mizzou) may pave the way for earlier detection and more effective treatment of glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, particularly among older adults. Researchers have identified two natural molecules that could serve as both biomarkers and potential neuroprotective treatments for this progressive eye disease.

The Need for Neuroprotection in Glaucoma

Glaucoma causes the gradual degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, key components responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. Current treatments are limited to reducing intraocular pressure (IOP), but they do not prevent RGC damage or halt disease progression. This has created a critical unmet need for neuroprotective therapies that can preserve vision by protecting these vital neurons.

Discovery of Agmatine and Thiamine as Potential Biomarkers

Dr. Pawan Singh, assistant professor at Mizzou’s School of Medicine, leads a research team dedicated to identifying biomarkers and neuroprotective compounds for glaucoma. In a recent study, Singh’s group found that patients with glaucoma had significantly lower levels of two small molecules, agmatine and thiamine, in the aqueous humor (the clear fluid at the front of the eye) compared to individuals without glaucoma.

These molecules, known as metabolites, show potential as early indicators of glaucoma, which could lead to more timely diagnosis and intervention.

“In several cases, people do not find out they have glaucoma until they are older and their eye pressure is elevated. Our long-term goal is to see if doctors could one day do a simple blood test to check for these biomarkers. If they can, hopefully they will be able to catch the disease much earlier, before vision loss occurs, so patients can receive treatment sooner,” said Pawan Singh, Assistant Professor, University of Missouri School of Medicine.

Therapeutic Potential of Natural Metabolites

Beyond early detection, Singh’s team has found that agmatine and thiamine may also possess neuroprotective properties. In recent preclinical studies, these molecules demonstrated the ability to protect retinal ganglion cells from damage and preserve visual function.

These findings suggest that agmatine and thiamine could be developed into new treatment options, potentially as eye drops or oral supplements, to help slow or prevent vision loss in glaucoma patients.

Outlook and Ongoing Research

Singh attributes the progress of this research to the collaborative environment at Mizzou and the university’s strong infrastructure for biomedical discovery.

“Mizzou’s impressive research infrastructure and our collaborative team help make this research possible. While more work needs to be done, the eye doctors I have spoken to here at Mizzou are very excited about this research, so I am proud and hopeful for the future,” said Pawan Singh.

Reference:

Monu Monu et al, Metabolomic Profiling of Aqueous Humor From Glaucoma Patients Identifies Metabolites With Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Potential in Mice, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (2025). DOI: 10.1167/iovs.66.5.28