GDF15 in glaucoma and methods of use thereof

1. A method of monitoring response to glaucoma treatment in a subject, wherein the subject is a mammal, the method comprising:

a) measuring the amount of GDF15 protein in a first biological sample obtained from the subject;

b) treating the subject with prescription eye drops, laser surgery, or incisional surgery;

c) measuring the amount of GDF15 protein in a second biological sample obtained from the subject at a later time;

d) comparing the amount of GDF15 protein in the first biological sample to the amount of GDF15 protein in the first biological sample; and

e) determining response to treatment if the amount of GDF15 protein in the second biological sample is increased, the same, or decreased relative to the amount of GDF15 protein in the first biological sample, wherein the first and second biological sample is selected from tears, aqueous humor, vitreous, serum, or retinal tissue and wherein, if the amount of GDF15 protein in the second biological sample is increased or the same, the treatment is altered.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the amount of GDF15 protein above the reference value indicates Grade I, Grade II or Grade III glaucoma.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein an amount of GDF15 protein of about 20 pg/ml to about 80 pg/ml indicates Grade I glaucoma; an amount of GDF15 protein of about 80 pg/ml to about 160 pg/ml indicates Grade II glaucoma; and an amount of GDF15 protein of about 160 pg/ml or greater indicates Grade III glaucoma.

4. The method of claim 2 , wherein an amount of GDF15 protein of about 46.4±12.1 pg/ml indicates Grade I glaucoma; an amount of GDF15 protein of about 129.5±38.0 pg/ml indicates Grade II glaucoma; and an amount of GDF15 protein of about 190±48.7 pg/ml or greater indicates Grade III glaucoma.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the amount of GDF15 protein is detected by contacting the sample with an antibody specific for GDF15 and quantifying the amount of GDF15 bound to the antibody.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the amount of GDF15 protein is detected by a method selected from the group consisting of an immunoassay, an enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA), a fluorescence based assay, a dissociation enhanced lanthanide fluoroimmunoassay (DELFIA), a radiometric assay, a multiplex immunoassay, and a cytometric bead assay (CBA).

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the amount of GDF15 protein is detected by an ELISA.

8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising assessing clinical symptoms, determining intraocular pressure, performing perimetry, or a combination thereof.