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Goldis Malek

Professor of Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery
Box 3802 Med Ctr, DUMC, Durham, NC 27710
Albert Eye Research Institute, Room 4006, Durham, NC 27710

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.

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

Education, Training & Certifications


University of Alabama, Birmingham · 2002 Ph.D.