Janey L. Wiggs, M.D., Ph.D. 
Assistant
Professor of Ophthalmology
Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary
Howe Laboratory
243 Charles Street
Boston, MA 02114
Tel.: (617) 573-6440
Fax.: (617) 573-6439
The overall goal
of our research program is to identify genetic factors that predispose
to various forms of inherited glaucoma. The identification of
genes that can cause glaucoma will provide critical information
regarding the biology of the disease as well as provide the basis
for accurate methods of diagnosis and new and specific therapies.
Currently we are investigating the genetic etiologies of several
forms of glaucoma including adult onset primary open angle glaucoma
(POAG), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, pigment dispersion syndrome
and pigmentary glaucoma, glaucoma associated with Rieger syndrome
and other anterior segment dysgenesis syndromes and juvenile open
angle glaucoma. Recently we have completed a genome wide scan
to identify chromosomal regions that harbor susceptibility genes
for adult onset open angle glaucoma, a form of glaucoma likely
to be inherited as a nonmendelian complex trait. We have identified
seven regions that have shown promising results in these initial
studies and are currently performing follow-up studies to confirm
these regions and to identify candidate genes. We have also identified
chromosomal regions that contain genes responsible for pigment
dispersion and two forms of anterior segment dysgenesis, and are
actively screening candidate genes located in these regions in
patients affected with these conditions. A genome wide scan looking
for genes responsible for juvenile open angle glaucoma is nearly
complete and suggests that three novel chromosomal regions may
contribute to this condition. Association studies to identify
genetic factors that may contribute to pseudoexfoliation glaucoma
are underway.
Research 
Publications
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Howe
Home Page 
E-Mail: janey_wiggs@meei.harvard.edu