Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Genetics in African Americans.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

Individuals of African descent are at highest risk for developing primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a devastating disease and major contributor of blindness worldwide. Currently, there is a large dearth of knowledge in this area despite a critical need for better understanding the underlying genetic and environmental factors afflicting this population. Here we highlight the current literature exploring the genetics of POAG in African Americans.

Recent findings

Current studies have yet to replicate European POAG index variants (i.e. CDKN2B-AS1 and SIX1/SIX6) in African Americans or to definitely exclude that these loci contribute to risk in African descent populations. Recent studies have evaluated clinical features that may account for some

SUBMITTER: Restrepo NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5739069 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature