Section on Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease

Research Interests

Retinal Pigment Epithelial (RPE) Function and Retinal Disease. Interactions between the retina and the RPE are mediated by light-induced changes in the extracellular activity of ions, catecholamines and neuropeptides. A diverse array of plasma membrane and intracellular signaling mechanisms integrate these input signals to regulate fluid flow between the subretinal space and choroid, thus maintaining the hydration and chemical composition of the extracellular spaces on both sides of the RPE. Gene transfer techniques have been used to introduce CFTR into human RPE to alter the magnitude and direction of fluid transport across the epithelium - as occurs in some disease processes. Recently we have developed two animal models: (I) to test pharmacologic interventions for retinal detachments and diseases that cause abnormal fluid accumulation in the distal retina; (2) to test gene therapeutic interventions against diseases such as age related macular degeneration that lead to choroidal neovascularization and blindness in the elderly (over 60) population. The goal in all of these experiments is to provide the basis for therapeutic approaches to a host of diseases that adversely affect the retina/RPE interface.

Confluent Monolayers of Cultured Human Fetal Retinal Pigment Epithelium (hfRPE) Exhibit Morphology and Physiology of Native Tissue (PDF)

Section on Epithelial and Retinal Physiology

Staff