Car2, also known as carbonic anhydrase 2, encodes the primary isoenzyme responsible for aqueous humor (AH) production and plays a major role in the regulation of intraocular pressure (IOP). It is involved in the physiological process related to eye pressure regulation [1].

In a study, CRISPR-Cas9-mediated deletion of Car2 in the ciliary body of mice was carried out. With a single intravitreal injection, Car2 knockout significantly and sustainably reduced IOP in both normal mice and glaucoma models by inhibiting AH production. It also effectively delayed and even halted glaucomatous damage induced by prolonged high IOP in a chronic ocular hypertension model, outperforming clinically available carbonic anhydrase inhibitors [1].

In conclusion, Car2 is crucial for the regulation of intraocular pressure. The Car2 knockout mouse model has revealed its potential as a therapeutic target for glaucoma. The findings suggest that targeting Car2 could be an attractive therapeutic strategy for patients with glaucoma [1].