Overview
Dr. Bowes Rickman is a highly accomplished translational scientist whose research efforts over two decades have been focused on the molecular/cell biology and pathobiology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In an effort to better understand the pathophysiology of AMD, she has created a number of murine models that recapitulate many aspects of human AMD and point the way toward eventual treatments for AMD. Among many cited seminal contributions is her discovery of a connection between complement and lipoprotein metabolism and AMD and the development of a murine model that closely mirrors findings in humans. Using these models, Dr. Bowes Rickman has dissected disease mechanisms that contribute to AMD risk, and tested multiple novel therapeutic targets for its treatment.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
George and Geneva Boguslavsky Distinguished Professor of Eye Research
·
2021 - Present
Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery,
Ophthalmology
Professor of Ophthalmology
·
2018 - Present
Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery,
Ophthalmology
Professor in Cell Biology
·
2020 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Recent Publications
Dissecting the biological complexity of age-related macular degeneration: Is it one disease, multiple separate diseases, or a spectrum?
Journal Article Exp Eye Res · May 2025 Clinicians recognize the heterogeneity of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in presentation, progression, and treatment response, as well as the challenges in distinguishing it from other macular degenerations. As part of the 2024 Ryan Initiative for ... Full text Link to item CiteTruncated complement factor H Y402 gene therapy rescues C3 glomerulonephritis.
Journal Article Mol Ther · April 24, 2025 There are no effective therapies for patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or C3 glomerulonephritis (C3G). Unfortunately, past efforts to treat C3G using exogenous human complement factor H (CFH) found limited success due to immune rejec ... Full text Link to item CiteSmall Extracellular Vesicle-Associated MiRNAs in Polarized Retinal Pigmented Epithelium.
Journal Article Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci · November 4, 2024 PURPOSE: Oxidative stress in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) has been implicated in age-related macular degeneration by impacting endocytic trafficking, including the formation, content, and secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Using our model ... Full text Open Access Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Swept Source (SS-) OCT system for Ex-Vivo Imaging, and specialized human postmortem full tissue sample package preparation
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Janssen Research & Development, LLC · 2024 - 2028Medical Scientist Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2022 - 2027Training Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2001 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of California, Los Angeles ·
1989
Ph.D.
University of California, Los Angeles ·
1983
B.A.