Download Ophthalmic Research

Ophthalmic Research
The Department of Ophthalmic Research at the Cole Eye Institute, chaired by Joe G. Hollyfield,
PhD, has a strong commitment to improving our understanding of the molecular and
cellular basis of vision loss and the exploitation of this knowledge for the
development of targeted therapeutics. The faculty in the department is involved in
multi-disciplinary and highly collaborative approaches using both basic science and
clinical investigation, which serves as a basis for exploring and evaluating treatment
strategies to slow and prevent vision loss. Specific disorders that are currently being
investigated are retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration (juvenile and age-related
forms), diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, vision restoration,
ciliopathies, glaucoma as well as corneal disorders such as transplantation, wound healing and
repair.
Human genetics studies are using DNA samples from patients with inherited retinal diseases with the
goal of defining the molecular mechanism responsible for a variety of retinal degenerations. Another
area of study is using electrophysiological studies to define the functional status of the retina. The
development of animal models of age-related macular degeneration as well as the identification of
plasma and tissue biomarkers for early diagnosis of ocular diseases such as uveal melanoma, agerelated macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy is an active area of research. An additional
focus is the identification of mechanisms that regulate ciliogenesis in photoreceptors using zebrafish
to model human ciliopathies. Researchers are also investigating how diabetes affects eye function.
Since diabetic retinopathy involves abnormal blood vessel formation and angiotensin II, studies are
probing the mechanisms underlying molecular and cellular consequences of genetic and
physiological perturbations of the angiotensin system. Additional research covers neovascularization
(new blood vessel formation) as well as vascular permeability in age-related macular degeneration
(AMD), diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. The use of stem cells to combat retinal
degeneration is a research area that has recently been initiated. Cell biology approaches are being
used to identify the molecular events that contribute to corneal wound healing following LASIK
surgery. Improving imaging modalities for the eye as diagnostic as well as intra-operative tools is
currently ongoing.
One of the many strengths of the Department of Ophthalmology is the close interaction between
basic science researchers and clinicians who are committed to achieving our common goal of
preventing vision loss. This cohesive community of investigators fosters innovation through
collaboration and allows the movement of ideas from both “bench to bedside” as well as “bedside to
bench”.
Administrative Staff Members:
Joe G. Hollyfield, PhD, Chairman, Ophthalmic Research
Edward T. Orel, MBA, Administrator
Laura Hogan, Department Coordinator