Overview
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of central vision impairment amongst the elderly in the Western World and is becoming increasingly prevalent World-wide.
Our lab is focused on investigating the cellular and molecular pathogenic mechanisms underlying the three clinical subtypes of AMD. We are driven by a desire to further understand signaling pathways critical in initiation and progression of AMD and hopefully identify therapeutic targets for this debilitating degenerative disease. Two major lines of investigation currently being followed concomitantly include (1) elucidating the role of lipid-mediated injury of retinal pigment epithelial cells and how this injury promotes pathogenic changes in Bruch’s membrane and drusen formation, key features of the dry AMD subtype, through activation of the nuclear receptors peroxisome proliferator activated receptors and liver-X receptors and (2) investigating the role of the xenobiotic responsive aryl hydrocarbon receptor in regulating cellular metabolism in two other subtypes of AMD, geographic atrophy and neovascular AMD.
Our lab is focused on investigating the cellular and molecular pathogenic mechanisms underlying the three clinical subtypes of AMD. We are driven by a desire to further understand signaling pathways critical in initiation and progression of AMD and hopefully identify therapeutic targets for this debilitating degenerative disease. Two major lines of investigation currently being followed concomitantly include (1) elucidating the role of lipid-mediated injury of retinal pigment epithelial cells and how this injury promotes pathogenic changes in Bruch’s membrane and drusen formation, key features of the dry AMD subtype, through activation of the nuclear receptors peroxisome proliferator activated receptors and liver-X receptors and (2) investigating the role of the xenobiotic responsive aryl hydrocarbon receptor in regulating cellular metabolism in two other subtypes of AMD, geographic atrophy and neovascular AMD.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of Ophthalmology
·
2024 - Present
Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery,
Ophthalmology
Associate Professor of Cell Biology
·
2022 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Professor in Pathology
·
2024 - Present
Pathology,
Clinical Science Departments
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
·
2014 - Present
Duke Institute for Brain Sciences,
University Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Features that distinguish age-related macular degeneration from aging.
Journal Article Exp Eye Res · May 2025 Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex, multifactorial retinal degenerative disease that is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. However, the strongest risk factor for AMD is advanced age. Several physiological processes are o ... Full text Link to item CitePotential Role of NUR77 in the Aging Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
Journal Article Adv Exp Med Biol · 2025 The underlying mechanisms associated with age-related changes in the morphology and function of retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells are poorly understood. The aging RPE progresses through several structural changes including loss of melanin granules, ... Full text Link to item CiteProtocol for real-time measurement of mitochondrial respiration in the mouse ocular posterior pole using a Seahorse XFe24 analyzer.
Journal Article STAR Protoc · September 20, 2024 During aging and in retinal degenerative diseases, vulnerable retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are subject to mitochondrial dysfunction, creating a need for accessibility to tools which can facilitate assessment of the ocular posterior pole bioenerge ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Deciphering the role of osteopontin in the aging eye and age-related macular degeneration
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Eye Institute · 2023 - 2027Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2021 - 2026Nuclear receptor driven mechanisms in aging and AMD
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2021 - 2025View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of Alabama, Birmingham ·
2002
Ph.D.