Research Projects
Autophagy and Neurodegeneration
The exact molecular mechanisms triggering retinal ganglion cell death and axonal degeneration in glaucoma are still not fully understood. We are investigating the independent contribution of autophagy to apoptotic RGC death and axonal degeneration in acute injury and chronic hypertensive experimental models of glaucoma. Identification of the early critical molecular events in RGCs in response to elevated IOP would add to our understanding of the nature of glaucomatous injury and provide potential targets for neuroprotective strategies for the treatment of glaucoma.
Autophagy and Mechanical Forces
Cells in the outflow pathway are exposed to mechanical forces resulting from fluctuations in IOP and fluid flow, namely mechanical stretch and shear stress. Our lab have identified autophagy as one of the cellular responses elicited in response to stretching. Current efforts are directed at studying the mechanisms of autophagy activation under mechanical stretch and shears stress in trabecular meshwork and Schlemm’s canal cells. We are particularly interested in the role of the primary cilium in mechanical stress-induced autophagy.
Cellular Senescence in Glaucoma
Aging is the primary factor for ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Yet, the mechanisms by which aging predisposes to disease are not entirely understood. Our lab previously reported the accumulation of senescent cells in the trabecular meshwork from glaucoma donors. Our goal now is to investigate the potential cellular mechanisms by which senescent cells accumulate in the outflow pathway and contribute to ocular hypertension and glaucoma.
