Scientists

Michael A. Grassi, MD Assistant Professor Director, Retina Chemical Genomics Lab

Professional and Research Interests

Translational research, which is a marriage between basic science and clinical investigation, is being carried out in our program with the goal of making significant contributions to the development of novel molecularly targeted treatments for retinal disease. 

The aim of our research program is to use genomics in a multi-faceted and interdisciplinary, systems-oriented approach to understand the molecular basis of common blinding retinal conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. 

Vision loss is the most feared disability, and the anticipated numbers of affected individuals with retinal disease over the coming years is staggering.  Numerous ophthalmologic conditions have been identified and exquisitely described, however, the basic underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain to be determined. 

Using cell lines, patient samples, and donor eyes we are conducting genome-wide association studies; cellular screening experiments with small molecules; genome-wide RNA interference; and DNA expression analyses in order to identify the molecular mechanisms that contribute to retinal disease development.

Education/Training

Faculty Appointments

Recent Publications

Hariprasad SM, Miller L, Mieler W, Grassi MA, Green JL, Jager RD. Vision-related quality of life in patients with diabetic macular edema. British Journal of Ophthalmology. (2008), 92:89-92.

Benevento JD, Jager RD, Noble AG, Latkany P, Mieler WF, Sautter M, Meyers S, Mets M, Grassi MA, Rabiah P, Boyer K, Swisher C, McLeod R. Toxoplasmosis-associated neovascular lesions treated successfully with ranibizumab and antiparasitic therapy. Archives of Ophthalmology (2008), 126(8):1152-1156.

Grassi MA, Mazzulla DA, Knudtson MD, Huang WW, Lee KE, Klein BE, Nicolae DL, Klein R.  Patient self-report of prior laser treatment reliably indicates presence of severe diabetic retinopathy.  American Journal of Ophthalmology (2009), 147(3) 501-504.

Zhao C, Bellur DL, Lu S, Zhao F, Grassi MA, Bowne SJ, Sullivan LS, Daiger SP, Pang CP, Zhao K, Staley JP, Larsson C.  A mutation in the gene SNRNP200, required for unwinding U4/U6 snRNAs, causes Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa.  American Journal of Human Genetics (2009), 85(5):617-27.

Kiernan DF, Ksiazek SM, Jampol LM, Grassi MA. Photoreceptor attenuation in acute zonal occult outer retinopathy. Retinal Cases and Brief Reports (2010), (4):291-400.

Kiernan DF, Lin RC, Grassi MA. Sarcoidosis-associated unilateral retinal arteritis. Ocular Immunology & Inflammation (2010), 18(1) 10-12.

Kiernan DF, Shah RJ, Hariprasad SM, Grassi MA, Small KW, Kiernan JP, Mieler WF. Thirty Year Follow-up of an African-American Family with North Carolina Macular Dystrophy. Ophthalmology (2011), epub.