Ocular Cell Biology Laboratory
Ocular Cell Biology Laboratory
Research projects on two eye diseases, keratoconus and glaucoma, are underway in Dr. Yue’s laboratory.
Biochemical Basis of Keratoconus
This research aims to identify the underlying cause of keratoconus, a blinding disease characterized by thinning of the central cornea. Among the breakthroughs achieved in the course of the project include the demonstration that the enzyme and inhibitor levels in keratoconus corneas are off-balance. The net enzyme activities are higher than normal, resulting in increased degradation of macromolecules and the thinning in the corneas. The next phase of the project will involve generating a mouse model for keratoconus, a major step toward understanding the disease mechanisms and development of therapeutic modalities.
Biology of Trabecular Meshwork in Health and Disease
This research project has illustrated the basic properties of the cells in the trabecular meshwork (TM) and how they may control the movement of the aqueous humor in healthy and diseased eyes. The recent focus has been on myocilin, a gene associated with glaucoma. One key finding shows that the activity or property of TM cells is changed when myocilin is present in excess amounts or is mutated. In this weakened state, the cells become more susceptible to additional stress. This cell vulnerability may be a key factor leading to pathologic consequences. Studies will continue to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in glaucoma.
Both projects are funded by the National Eye Institute.
Laboratory Personnel
Hiroshi Sakai, M.D. Visiting Scholar
Gene expression in keratoconus specimens
Bum-Chan Park, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Research Associate
Characterization of promoter for the Sp1 gene
Xiang Shen, Research Specialist
Martin Tibudan, MS, Research Specialist
