JOH N A. MORAN E YE CENTER RESE ARCH PROGRAM OVERVIEW
KEY STATISTICS (JULY 1, 2022 — JUNE 30, 2023)
$11+ million
300+
$11.5 million
80+
in grants and contracts
in research support from private donors
20 lead principal investigators (PIs)
25
publications
clinical trials and studies
31
faculty researchers
30
adjuncts
National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants and subcontracts
JOHN A. MORAN EYE CENTER RESEARCH PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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UN IQUE R ES OU R CES
Unique resources and a commitment to collaboration
quickly advance and fund research by establishing
make the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University
synergistic partnerships between university
of Utah an ideal environment for discovery.
departments, international academic collaborators, philanthropists, and private sectors. By conducting
Led by Department of Ophthalmology and Visual
multiple phases of the drug discovery process
Sciences Distinguished Professor and Chair and
simultaneously, the SCTM has been successful
Moran CEO Randall J Olson, MD, the institution has
in moving scientific discoveries more efficiently
ranked as high as No. 7 in the nation in National
into clinical trials. This research relies on more
Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. The Moran Eye
than 10,000 pairs of eyes—the largest collection in
Center’s 200,000-square-foot building supports
the world dedicated to the study of normal and
translational research as bridges connect research
diseased retinal tissue—and a clinical study that has
floors to clinics. It also houses four research centers
been ongoing since 2009. The SCTM collaborates
driving innovation:
extensively with the Utah Lions Eye Bank, a nonprofit organization and extension of the Moran Eye Center.
INTERMOUNTAIN OCULAR RESEARCH CENTER Established in 1982 and directed by Liliana Werner,
UTAH RETINAL READING CENTER (UREAD)
MD, PhD, and Nick Mamalis, MD, this nonprofit,
Established in 2020 by Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg,
independent laboratory performs basic, in-depth
MD, UREAD contributes to the characterization
research on intraocular lenses. The center provides
of manifestation and progression of ophthalmic
services and education to surgeons, clinical
diseases. It focuses on evaluating treatment
ophthalmologists, their patients, and manufacturers.
response to innovative therapeutic strategies
More than 1,000 peer-reviewed publications
using an array of multimodal imaging technology.
from the center guide companies and physicians
UREAD offers high-quality ophthalmic image
worldwide as the center vets new lens technology.
reading services to advance research in academia
The center is also involved in the analysis of Toxic
and industry. Its multidisciplinary team collaborates
Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS) and other
with the SCTM to determine clinical trial endpoints for new AMD therapies.
causes of postoperative inflammation following cataract surgery.
ALAN S. CRANDALL CENTER FOR SHARON ECCLES STEELE CENTER FOR
GLAUCOMA INNOVATION
TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE (SCTM)
A global leader in innovation and one of the most
Directed by Gregory S. Hageman, PhD, the SCTM
experienced complex eye surgeons in the world,
currently focuses on translating basic science and
Iqbal “Ike” K. Ahmed, MD, FRCSC, is creating new
clinical research discoveries into therapies for
hope for people with glaucoma. The Crandall
age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The
Center leverages unique resources at the Moran Eye
SCTM is a model for how academia can more
Center for its four key initiatives: Glaucoma
JOHN A. MORAN EYE CENTER RESEARCH PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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Therapeutics, Translational Research,
Via the outreach division, Moran researchers have
Neuroprotection-Based Therapies; and Global
also studied a host of eye diseases worldwide,
Care. Investigators collaborate with the SCTM, UREAD, the Intermountain Ocular Research Center,
including recent studies on the prevalence of glaucoma, retinal diseases, and AMD in Tanzania
and key internal and external collaborators.
and other parts of Africa.
The University of Utah has a rich legacy of
Closer to home, the outreach division recently
innovation and is a hot spot for genetics research
concluded a collaborative, comprehensive,
and precision medicine. Moran investigators use
scientific approach to assess the eye health care
the Utah Population Database at Huntsman Cancer
needs of Utah’s underserved communities. The
Institute at the University of Utah—one of the
survey identified screening and care for diabetes-
world’s richest sources of data supporting health
related vision loss as the most urgent outreach
and genetics research—to access the genealogical,
need. Vision screenings for children and access to
public health, medical, and environmental
eyeglasses closely followed. Initiatives to address
exposure records of more than 20 million people.
the needs include a monthly retina clinic as a first step to provide ongoing monitoring and care,
OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
including laser treatments and injections.
Moran’s Global Outreach Division, a premier institute for ophthalmology outreach in the United
The Moran Eye Center’s commitment to research
States, has worldwide relationships providing
innovation extends to its education program.
research opportunities. The program builds
Residents may receive up to one-half day of
sustainable access to high-quality eye care in Utah
dedicated research time per week for projects
and developing nations and is a North American
during training. Each year the Achievement
academic partner of India’s Aravind Eye Care System, the world’s largest eye care provider.
Rewards for College Scientists Foundation awards at least one resident $15,000, and Moran matches these funds for the trainee’s second and third year.
Aravind is renowned for its unique ability to manufacture safe, effective, low-cost surgical devices for use in the developing world.
JOHN A. MORAN EYE CENTER RESEARCH PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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K EY AREAS OF R ES EAR CH
AMD GENETICS, IMAGING, TARGETS,
ARTIFICIAL VISION
AND THERAPEUTICS
Collaborative work between Moran and the Miguel Hernández University in Elche, Spain, has
• SCTM researchers have explained the genetic
led to the first human testing of a penetrating cortical visual prosthesis that uses the Utah
underpinnings of AMD as at least two distinct
Electrode Array developed by Richard A.
biological diseases, one caused by mutations on chromosome 1 and another by mutations on
Normann, PhD. The device successfully stimulated
chromosome 10. These two forms of the disease
artificial sight in an implanted blind patient.
neurons in the visual cortex to generate a form of
require separate therapeutic approaches that are
Alessandra Angelucci, MD, PhD, is working to
currently being developed at the SCTM. An SCTM
optimize the approach by using optogenetics to
gene therapy for chromosome 1-driven AMD
stimulate neurons.
entered clinical trials in December 2022. CONNECTOMICS • Backed by $3.8 million in new federal funding, internationally renowned researchers Monika
The Marclab for Connectomics, currently led by Bryan William Jones, PhD, created the first retinal
Fleckenstein, MD, and Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg,
connectome and the first pathoconnectome,
MD, are forging new ground in AMD research,
showing retinal remodeling in diseases like retinitis
characterizing how different subtypes of AMD
pigmentosa. The lab is now working on a series of
manifest and progress in patients. This
pathoconnectomes in human retina and rabbit
understanding is crucial to creating new therapies
models of retinal disease. It also is examining the
tailored to each subtype and disease stage.
relationships between synaptic weight and structural components.
• Paul S. Bernstein, MD, PhD, studies the biochemistry of nutritional factors that can slow the progression of AMD, including the macular pigment carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin that were part of the AREDS2 study. His lab is now focusing on verylong-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLCPUFAs), a new class of eye-specific nutrients that are being considered for inclusion in a future
The Angelucci Laboratory, in collaboration with the group of Valerio Pascucci, PhD, at the Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute at the University of Utah,is developing technology toward mesoscopic-scale connectomics of the non-human primate visual cortex. The project was funded by the NIH BRAIN Initiative.
AREDS3 study.
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FLUORESCENCE LIFETIME IMAGING
• Brian Stagg, MD, is using informatics to
OPHTHALMOSCOPY (FLIO)
simplify and streamline how specialists
The Bernstein Laboratory continues to test this
determine which glaucoma treatments will be
new non-invasive advanced imaging to identify
the most effective for their patients.
early markers for a range of retinal diseases. The lab is part of an international research
CORTICAL VISION
consortium using a FLIO camera available in only
The Angelucci lab is identifying how networks of
a few locations worldwide. One of its biggest
neurons in the visual cortex are wired together
potential clinical uses could be the early
to carry out specific visual functions. In his lab,
diagnosis of AMD and MacTel. Bernstein’s lab
Behrad Noudoost, PhD, is focused on precisely
was the first to describe specific signature
understanding the neural circuits and biological
patterns in FLIO images of eyes with AMD and
mechanisms that are necessary and sufficient to
MacTel. FLIO also revealed traces of these ring
drive fundamental cognitive functions. Neda
patterns in younger patients with high familial risk
Nategh, PhD, leads a vision computation lab,
for MacTel and AMD who appear to be healthy
which investigates the brain computations
using all other imaging techniques.
underlying dynamic vision and their implications for advancing artificial vision.
GLAUCOMA • David Krizaj, PhD, is the associate director of the
REFRACTIVE INDEX SHAPING
Crandall Center. His lab is investigating ocular
The Intermountain Ocular Research Center has
mechanotransduction mechanisms and developing
tested this new laser procedure that stands to
a therapy that simultaneously lowers intraocular
revolutionize cataract surgery by allowing
pressure, reduces neuroinflammation, and protects
clinicians to easily adjust intraocular lens power for
retinal neurons from glaucoma. The targets are
precise vision after the lens is placed in the eye.
mechanosensitive ion channels that are selectively localized to retinal ganglion cells, glia, trabecular meshwork, and the ciliary body. • Dr. Ahmed continues to lead the field in designing and testing new micro-invasive glaucoma surgery From the Marclab for Connectomics, this image shows a section of the retina. Researchers used antibodies to assign colors to cells, allowing them to visualize cell metabolism.
(MIGS) devices. • Fiona McDonnell, PhD, is exploring an exciting new area of glaucoma research—nanoparticles called exosomes released by all cells in the human body. Exosomes have several potential applications in new therapies or diagnostic tests. JOHN A. MORAN EYE CENTER RESEARCH PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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O N LIN E R ES OU R CES
WEBVISION webvision.med.utah.edu. Funded and supported by the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Webvision was one of the first online textbooks. It details the organization of the retina and visual system.
CLINICAL OPHTHALMOLOGY RESOURCE (CORE) morancore.utah.edu. The Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences created and maintains CORE to provide free, worldwide access to high-quality ophthalmic learning. The peerreviewed site is the first multimedia education resource of its kind.
NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY VIRTUAL EDUCATION LIBRARY (NOVEL) novel.utah.edu. NOVEL is a discipline-specific, open-access repository of digital materials used for educational and research purposes by health care professionals, educators, patients, and students. It is a collaborative project between the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, the University of Utah, and the North American NeuroOphthalmology Society.
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FACULTY, LABS, AN D RESEARCH CEN T ERS
Randall J Olson, MD CEO of the John A. Moran Eye Center Distinguished Professor and Chair, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Cumming Presidential Endowed Chair Director, University of Utah Vision Institute
Research Interests: Dr. Olson specializes in research dealing with intraocular lenses and
Excellence, the American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery 2012 Binkhorst Medal, and the
cataract surgery and is the author of more than 300 professional publications. He has given many named lectures all over the U.S. and worldwide that serve as a foundation for modern cataract surgery techniques.
2019 Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology. The Ophthalmologist magazine has named Dr. Olson as one of the most influential figures in ophthalmology internationally.
His honors include the International Intra-Ocular Implant Club 2016 Jan Worst Medal, the American Academy of Ophthalmology's 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award and 2014 Kelman Award, the University of Utah 2014 Rosenblatt Prize for
Recent Publication Highlights: Efficiency of Plymer-coated Phacoemulsification Tip in Cataract Surgery. Cardenas IA, Ungricht EL, Zaugg B, Olson RJ, Pettey JH. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2023 Apr 13. Effect of Low and Passive Flow on OVD Thermal Properties During Phacoemulsification. Ungricht EL, Harris JT, Jensen NR, Barlow WR, Murri MS, Olson RJ, Pettey JH. Can J Ophthalmol. 2022 Jul 19:S0008-4182(22)00193-4. Phacoemulsification in Review: Optimization of Cataract Removal in an In Vitro Setting. Boulter T, Bernhisel A, Mamalis C, Zaugg B, Barlow WR, Olson RJ, Pettey JH. Surv Ophthalmol. 2019 NovDec;64(6):868-875.
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A L AN S . C RAND ALL CENTER FO R GLA UCOMA INNOVATION Director Iqbal "Ike" K. Ahmed, MD, FRCSC Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Jack R. and Hazel M. Robertson Presidential Endowed Chair
Research Interests: Glaucoma, cataract, and lens implant surgical therapeutics; novel device and surgical technique development. Center Overview: Dr. Ahmed is recognized as one of the most experienced surgeons for complex eye conditions worldwide and is renowned for his groundbreaking work in the surgical treatment of diseases including glaucoma and surgical complications. He coined the term micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) as a new genre of surgical devices and his research has shaped the field. He also has designed microsurgical instrumentation and other devices, implants, and techniques to manage dislocated cataracts, iris reconstruction, and glaucoma.
He has published more than 170 peer-reviewed papers and several books and made over 1,000 scientific presentations, including 40 visiting professor's lectures around the world. He sits on the editorial boards and is a reviewer for numerous journals. The Ophthalmologist magazine has repeatedly named him on its annual list of the most influential figures in ophthalmology. In addition to a clinical practice at Moran, Dr. Ahmed directs the Alan S. Crandall Center for Glaucoma Innovation, which conducts research to develop better diagnostics and therapies, a deeper understanding of glaucoma and its genetics, and to expand access to care.
Dr. Ahmed has been the principal investigator for numerous research studies and served as a medical monitor for many pivotal clinical trials including the first long-term outcomes study of a MIGS device. Recent Publication Highlights: Surgical Augmentation of the Suprachoroidal Space: A Novel Material and Implant. De Francesco T, Ahmed IIK. Clin Ophthalmol. 2023 Aug 21;17:2483-2492. New Devices in Glaucoma. Chan L, Moster MR, Bicket AK, Sheybani A, Sarkisian SR, Samuelson TW, Ahmed IIK, Miller-Ellis E, Smith OU, Cui QN. Ophthalmol Ther. 2023 Oct;12(5):2381-2395. First-in-Human Safety Study of Femtosecond Laser Image-Guided Trabeculotomy for Glaucoma Treatment: 24-month Outcomes. Nagy ZZ, Kranitz K, Ahmed IIK, De Francesco T, Mikula E, Juhasz T. Ophthalmol Sci. 2023 Apr 17;3(4):100313.
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A N GELUCCI L AB OR ATORY PI: Alessandra Angelucci, MD, PhD Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Mary H. Boesche Endowed Chair
Research Interests: Structure and function of the visual cerebral cortex; development of novel technologies. Lab Overview: Dr. Angelucci’s Lab studies the anatomical organization and function of neural circuits in the visual cortex to understand how these circuits compute the cortical computations that generate perception. The lab uses a multidisciplinary approach encompassing viral-based neuroanatomical methods, array electrophysiology, brain imaging, optogenetics, and computational modeling to understand how specific circuit wiring leads to cortical neuron responses and visual perception.
visual context in visual perception; development of computational approaches for largescale connectomics; development of tools for large scale simultaneous optogenetics and recordings; and restoring vision (visual cortical prosthesis). NIH Funding FY23: Connectivity & Function of Inhibitory Neurons in the Primate Visual Cortex ($535,471); Anatomical and Functional Organization of Inter-Areal Feedback Circuits in the Visual Cortex, and Their Impact on Neuronal Responses ($437,178); Medical Student Research Program in Eye Health and Disease ($34,595)
Main research interests include feedforward and feedback processing between visual cortical areas; connectivity and function of inhibitory neurons in visual cortex; the role of
Recent Publication Highlights: An Optrode Array for Spatiotemporally Precise Large-Scale Optogenetic Stimulation of Deep Cortical Layers in Non-human Primates. Angelucci A, Clark A, Ingold A, Reiche C, Iii DC, Balsor J, Federer F, McAlinden N, Cheng Y, Rolston J, Rieth L, Dawson M, Mathieson K, Blair S. Res Sq. 2023 Feb 28:rs.3.rs-2322768. Stream-Specific Feedback Inputs to the Primate Primary Visual Cortex. Federer F, Ta’afua S, Merlin S, Hassanpour MS, Angelucci A. Nat Commun. 2021 Jan 11;12(1):228. A Direct Interareal Feedback-to-Feedforward Circuit in Primate Visual Cortex. Siu C, Balsor J, Merlin S, Federer F, Angelucci A. Nat Commun. 2021 Aug 13;12(1):4911
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A SA RE LAB OR ATOR Y PI: Afua Oteng Asare, OD, PhD Research Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Research Interests: Access to vision care; health services and systems research; health equity and disparities; cost effectiveness analysis; implementation science. Lab Overview: The Asare Lab seeks to improve vision health outcomes in pediatric populations, with a special emphasis on amblyopia and myopia. The aim is to do this through the implementation and evaluation of strategic, evidence-based tools and strategies, including point-of-care and population health clinical decision support tools. The lab anticipates that establishing clinical decision support tools, especially within electronic health record systems, will enable the accurate identification, referral, and surveillance of children with vision impairment in primary and specialist care.
To build these tools, the objectives of the lab are to first determine the disparities in access to vision care for vulnerable child populations, with an initial focus on vision screening as part of wellchild visits in pediatric primary care and completed referrals to specialist eye care. Secondly, the lab works to determine the family, provider, and system-level factors associated with poor access to vision care. The lab uses a number of research methods to gather and analyze data to achieve its goals. These methods include but are not limited to qualitative methods (surveys, focus groups, interviews), quantitative methods (cross-sectional cohort studies, survival analysis, regression, interrupted time series), and mixed methods.
Recent Publication Highlights: Beyond Accessibility in Exploring Access to Eye Care to achieve Vision Health Equity. Hicks PM, Asare AO, Woodward MA. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2023 Cost-Effectiveness of Universal School- and Community-Based Vision Testing Strategies to Detect Amblyopia in Children in Ontario, Canada. Asare AO, Maurer D, Wong AMF, Saunders N, Ungar WJ. JAMA Netw Open, 6(1), e2249384. 2023 Economic Evaluations of Vision Screening to Detect Amblyopia and Refractive Errors in Children: A Systematic Review. Asare AO, Wong AMF, Maurer D, Kulandaivelu Y, Saunders N, Ungar WJ.Can J Public Health. 2022 Apr;113(2):297-311.
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BAEHR LAB OR ATORY PI: Wolfgang Baehr, PhD Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Research Interests: Membrane protein transport in photoreceptors and mouse models for inherited retinal disease; photoreceptor biochemistry; and molecular and cell biology.
dominant retinitis pigmentosa, identified specific gene defects in several other animal models of human disease, and characterized key regulatory molecules in the phototransduction pathway.
Lab Overview: Dr. Baehr’s career work addresses the biochemistry and molecular biology of the capture of light by photoreceptors in the eye (phototransduction) and the biochemistry of the key elements in that process (the Visual Cycle), with a focus on gene defects causative for human retinal disease. Dr. Baehr’s early research generated one of the first transgenic mouse models for autosomal
Dr. Baehr has published over 200 manuscripts covering topics in inorganic and organic chemistry, biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology, bacteriology, infectious disease, and genetics.
Recent Publication Highlights: Deletion of the Phosphatase INPP5E in the Murine Retina Impairs Photoreceptor Axoneme Formation and Prevents Disc Morphogenesis. Sharif AS, Gerstner CD, Cady MA, Arshavsky VY, Mitchell C, Ying G, Frederick JM, Baehr W. J Biol Chem. 2021 Jan-Jun;296:100529. Effect of Conditional Deletion of Cytoplasmic Dynein Heavy Chain DYNC1H1 on Postnatal Photoreceptors. Dahl TM, Reed M, Gerstner CD, Ying G, Baehr W. PLoS One. 2021 Mar 11;16(3):e0248354. Diffuse or Hitch a Ride: How Photoreceptor Lipidated Proteins Get From Here to There. Frederick JM, Hanke-Gogokhia C, Ying G, Baehr W. Biol Chem. 2020 Apr 28;401(5):573-584.
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BERN ST EIN L AB OR ATORY PI: Paul S. Bernstein, MD, PhD Vice-Chair for Clinical and Basic Science Research Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Val A. and Edith D. Green Presidential Endowed Chair
Research Interests: Nutritional biochemistry; ocular nutrition in pregnancy and early life; genetics of macular degeneration and inherited retinal degenerations; fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO).
He is among the first researchers worldwide to test the early diagnostic capabilities of fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy, a new non-invasive retinal imaging technique known as FLIO.
Lab Overview: The Bernstein Laboratory explores the biochemistry and biophysics of nutritional interventions against inherited and acquired ocular disorders. The lab is a leader in studying the proteins involved in the uptake and stabilization of lutein and zeaxanthin in the human macula. These dietary xanthophyll carotenoids play an important role in protecting the macula from light-induced oxidative damage, and high ocular levels are associated with decreased risk of AMD. In collaboration with Werner Gellermann, PhD, of the University of Utah Physics Department, he has developed instrumentation to non-invasively measure carotenoid levels in the eye, skin, and other human tissues using resonance Raman spectroscopy.
NIH Funding FY23: Biochemistry & Pharmacology of the Macular Carotenoids ($384,792); Elucidating the Role of Very-Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Retinal Health and Disease ($404,375); Pre-Symptomatic Genetic Risk Assessment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Total: $192,396); Core Vision Research Grant ($156,921) Other Federal Funding FY23: NIH Subcontract: Adaptive Optics Fluorescence Lifetime Ophthalmoscopy In Healthy People With Disease ($35,570)
Recent Publication Highlights: Understanding the Roles of Very-Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (VLC-PUFAs) in Eye Health. Nwagbo U, Bernstein PS. Nutrients. 2023 Jul 10;15(14):3096. Systemic Effects of Prenatal Carotenoid Supplementation in the Mother and Her Child: The Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Pregnancy (L-ZIP) Randomized Trial -Report Number 1. Addo EK, Allman SJ, Arunkumar R, Gorka JE, Harrison DY, Varner MW, Bernstein PS. J Nutr. 2023 Aug;153(8):2205-2215. Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) in Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel) Patients with and without Diabetes. Sauer L, Vitale AS, Jacoby RS, Hart B, Bernstein PS. Retina. 2023.
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Binxing Li, PhD Research Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Specialties: Biochemistry and biophysics of macular carotenoids; mouse models of retinal disease; Raman imaging of nutrients in the retina. Research Interests: Dr. Li’s work in the Bernstein Laboratory explores light-induced oxidative damage associated with AMD and autosomal recessive Stargardt disease (STGD1).
Recent Publication Highlights: Prenatal Carotenoid Supplemenation with Lutein or Zeaxanthin Ameliorates Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy (OIR) in Bco2-/- Macular Pigment Mice. Arunkumar R, Li B, Addo EK, Hartnett ME, Bernstein PS. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2023 Apr 3;64(4):9. Mechanism for the Selective Uptake of Macular Carotenoids Mediated by the HDL Cholesterol Receptor SR-BI. Li B, George EW, Vachali P, Chang FY, Gorusupudi A, Arunkumar R, Giauque NA, Wan Z, Frederick JM, Bernstein PS. Exp Eye Res. 2023 Apr;229:109429. HDL is the Primary Transporter for Carotenoids from Liver to Retinal Pigment Epithelium in Transgenic ApoA-I-/-/Bco2-/- Mice. Li B, Vachali P, Chang FY, Gorusupudi A, Arunkumar R, Shi L, Rognon GT, Frederick JM, Bernstein PS. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2022 Feb 15;716:109111.
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SHA R O N ECCLES STEELE CENTER FOR T RAN SLATI ONAL MEDI CI NE Executive Director Gregory S. Hageman, PhD John A. Moran Presidential Endowed Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Research Interests: Diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for the treatment of AMD.
A cluster of genes on chromosome 1 causes one form of AMD. A pair of genes on chromosome 10 causes a second form of AMD.
Center Overview: Dr. Hageman’s primary research interest for more than 30 years has been directed toward the genetics and biology of AMD, a leading cause of irreversible worldwide blindness. Dr. Hageman and his colleagues discovered that a specific common haplotype of the complement regulator, Complement Factor H (CFH), in combination with variations in another complement regulator, Complement Factor B (CFB), account for greater than 50% of risk for AMD in Caucasian populations. He has generated strong ocular and systemic evidence that AMD is at least two biologically distinct diseases.
Because distinct biological mechanisms drive these two forms of the disease, they require different therapeutic approaches. Dr. Hageman and his team have developed therapies adapted specifically to chromosome 1- or chromosome 10directed AMD. The first therapy entered FDAapproved clinical trials in late-2022; additional treatments are in pre-clinical stages.
Recent Publication Highlights: Systems Genomics in Age-related Macular Degeneration. den Hollander AI, Mullins RF, Orozco LD, Voigt AP, Chen HH, Strunz T, Grassmann F, Haines JL, Kuiper JJW, Tumminia SJ, Allikmets R, Hageman GS, Stambolian D, Klaver CCW, Boeke JD, Chen H, Honigberg L, Katti S, Frazer KA, Weber BHF, Gorin MB. Exp Eye Res. 2022 Dec;225:109248. Protective Chromosome 1q32 Haplotypes Mitigate Risk for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Associated with the CFH-CFHR5 and ARMS2/HTRA1 Loci. Pappas CM, Zouache MA, Matthews S, Faust CD, Hageman JL, Williams BL, Richards BT, Hageman GS.Hum Genomics. 2021 Sep 25;15(1):60. Chromosome 10q26-driven Age-Related Macular Degeneration is Associated with Reduced Levels of HTRA1 in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Williams BL, Seager NA, Gardiner JD, Pappas CM, Cronin MC, Amat di San Filippo C, Anstadt RA, Liu J, Toso MA, Nichols L, Parnell TJ, Eve JR, Bartel PL, Zouache MA, Richards BT, Hageman GS. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021 Jul 27;118(30):e2103617118.
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PI: Monika Fleckenstein, MD Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Specialties: Degenerative retinal diseases; highresolution imaging; identification of prognostic biomarkers for disease progression; validation of clinical endpoints for interventional trials. Research Interests: Dr. Fleckenstein’s primary scientific interest is in the field of degenerative retinal diseases with a focus on AMD. Through innovative high-resolution imaging technology, her efforts center on the identification of prognostic biomarkers for disease progression and the validation of clinical outcome measures for interventional trials. Dr. Fleckenstein and her team are currently conducting a prospective clinical study to assess the impact of non-exudative type 1
macular neovascularization on AMD progression, and a prospective clinical study to precisely characterize “early atrophic lesions,” a largely unexplored “time window” in AMD progression that appears to be most appropriate for future therapeutic interventions. NIH Funding FY23-24: The Impact of NonExudative Type 1 Macular Neovascularization (MNV) on Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Progression ($385,000); Progression of Early Atrophic Lesions in Age-Related Macular Degeneration ($385,000)
Recent Publication Highlights: Association of Reading Performance in Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Visual Function and Structural Biomarkers. Künzel SH, Lindner M, Sassen J, Möller PT, Goerdt L, Schmid M, Schmitz-Valckenberg S, Holz FG, Fleckenstein M, Pfau M. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2021 Nov 1;139(11):1191-1199. Association of Complement C3 Inhibitor Pegcetacoplan with Reduced Photoreceptor Degeneration Beyond Areas of Geographic Atrophy. Pfau M, Schmitz-Valckenberg S, Ribeiro R, Safaei R, McKeown A, Fleckenstein M, Holz FG. Sci Rep. 2022 Oct 25;12(1):17870. Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Fleckenstein M, Keenan TDL, Guymer RH, Chakravarthy U, Schmitz-Valckenberg S, Klaver CC, Wong WT, Chew EY. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2021 May 6;7(1):31.
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Moussa A. Zouache, PhD Research Assistant Professor,
Specialties: AMD; aging of the eye; engineering; mathematical modeling; translational research.
Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Research Interests: Dr. Zouache’s primary research interest is directed towards understanding the etiology and natural history of AMD. He currently leads an initiative to identify markers of progression for AMD by combining genetic, biological, and clinical data and mechanistic models. As part of his research, Dr. Zouache works on refining the genetic structure of AMD, with a focus on the two gene regions most commonly and strongly associated with this disease, CFH-CFHR5 on chromosome 1q32 and ARMS2/HTRA1 on chromosome 10q26. He also
seeks to identify genetic variants that drive AMD onset and progression as opposed to genetic polymorphisms that only modulate phenotypes. Part of Dr. Zouache’s research involves developing novel frameworks combining laboratory-based techniques and mathematical models to characterize the exchange of material between the RPE and the choriocapillaris. This work has dramatically improved our understanding of mass transfers between retina and choroid and retinal homeostasis in health, aging, and disease.
Recent Publication Highlights: Protective Chromosome 1q32 Haplotypes Mitigate Risk for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Associated with the CFH-CFHR5 and ARMS2/HTRA1 Loci. Pappas CM, Zouache MA, Matthews S, Faust CD, Hageman JL, Williams BL, Richards BT, Hageman GS. Hum Genomics. 2021 Sep 25;15(1):60. Chromosome 10q26-driven Age-Related Macular Degeneration is Associated with Reduced Levels of HTRA1 in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Williams BL, Seager NA, Gardiner JD, Pappas CM, Cronin MC, Amat di San Filippo C, Anstadt RA, Liu J, Toso MA, Nichols L, Parnell TJ, Eve JR, Heinz S, Hayes MGB, Bartel PL, Zouache MA, Richards BT, Hageman GS. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021 Jul 27;118(30):e2103617118. Variability in Retinal Neuron Populations and Associated Variations in Mass Transport Systems of the Retina in Health and Aging. Zouache MA. Front Aging Neurosci. 2022 Feb 25;14:778404.
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HWAN G L AB OR ATORY PI: Eileen Hwang, MD, PhD Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Research Interests: Biochemistry and extracellular matrix structure changes of the vitreous from childhood through old age. Lab Overview: Dr. Hwang is developing confocal reflectance as a method for quantifying collagen fiber network characteristics across the entire vitreous body on a micron scale. The lab anticipates that establishing this novel method will enable a significant leap forward in connecting predisposing conditions such as age, Mendelian disorders, and myopia to retinal detachment and inspire research into new ways to prevent vitreoretinal traction, retinal detachment, and blindness in predisposed individuals.
abnormalities of the vitreous in high myopia and Stickler syndrome. The goal of the laboratory is to understand the specific ways in which vitreous collagen fiber structure differs in diseased eyes compared to normal individuals and to identify the factors that regulate this abnormal structure. With this information, the lab hopes to develop new strategies to prevent retinal detachment in high-risk individuals. Current methods of creating posterior vitreous detachment are either too risky or not effective enough to be routinely employed. By investigating the underlying mechanisms of vitreous liquefaction, Dr. Hwang and her team hope to develop a safe drug that could be used to create posterior vitreous development.
The lab hypothesizes that pediatric vitreoretinal diseases can be prevented or treated by altering the biochemistry and extracellular matrix structure of the vitreous. The lab is particularly interested in Recent Publication Highlights: Self-reporting of Conflicts of Interest by Ophthalmology Researchers Compared with the Open Payments Database Industry Reports. Hwang ES, Liu L, Ong MY, Rodriguez CM, Schwehr DE, Sanchez DE, Stoddard GJ, Weinberg DV. Ophthalmology. 2023 Apr;130(4):387-393. Confocal Reflectance Microscopy for Mapping Collagen Fiber Organization in the Vitreous Gel of the Eye. Hwang ES, Morgan DJ, Sun J, Hartnett ME, Toussaint KC Jr, Coats B.Biomed Opt Express. 2023 Jan 30;14(2):932-944. Association Between Myopia Progression and Quantity of Laser Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity. Hwang ES, Kassem IS, Allozi R, Kravets S, Al-Kirwi KY, Hallak JA, Costakos DM. PLoS One. 2022 Dec 30;17(12):e0279898.
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JO N ES LAB OR ATORY (M A R C LAB FO R CONNECTOMI CS) PI: Bryan W. Jones, PhD Associate Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Research Interests: Retinal connectomics and pathoconnectomics, retinal remodeling, and metabolic analyses of degenerate retina.
fundamental for comparison and understanding of
Lab Overview: Dr. Jones’ research provided the first understanding of retinal plasticity in diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and AMD. This work is responsible for discovering the substantial clinical significance of negative neuronal remodeling in retinal degenerative disease. Most recently, the lab has focused on the new fields of connectomics and pathoconnectomics, applying these novel, computationally intensive approaches to the study of normal retinal wiring. He is also focusing on retinal wiring in retinal degenerative disease. These approaches result in complete network diagrams of the retina with rich data, including classes, cell patterning, and complete connectivities of both electrical and chemical synapses. This work is
Additional collaborative work is developing physicsbased models of the retina that can reveal how current flows in both normal and diseased retina, which is crucial for understanding how vision rescues will interface with retina.
aberrant or corrupt circuitry observed in blinding diseases.
NIH Funding FY23: Retinal Circuity and Supplement ($981,069); Core Vision Research Grant ($157,518) Other Federal Funding FY23: NIH Subcontract: Mitochondrial Pyruvate Transport In Retinal Health & Disease ($25,417); NSF NeuroNex: Enabling Identification and Impact of Synaptic Weight in Functional Networks ($240,000)
Recent Publication Highlights: Retinal Pathoconnectomics: A Window into Neurodegeneration. Pfeiffer RL, Jones BW. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2023;1415:297-301. Current Perspective on Retinal Remodeling: Implications for Therapeutics. Ning K, Sendayen BE, Kowal TJ, Wang B, Jones BW, Hu Y, Sun Y. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2021 Jul 1;62(9):15. A Pathoconnectome of Early Neurodegeneration: Network Changes in Retinal Degeneration. Pfeiffer RL, Anderson JR, Dahal J, Garcia JC, Yang JH, Sigulinsky CL, Rapp K, Emrich DP, Watt CB, Johnstun HA, Houser AR, Marc RE, Jones BW. Exp Eye Res. 2020 Oct;199:108196.
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Bradley J. Katz, MD, PhD Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Specialties: Photophobia (abnormal light sensitivity); migraine: its effects on visual quality of life; ischemic optic neuropathy. Research Interests: Dr. Katz’s research interests center around neuro-ophthalmology and light sensitivity (“photophobia”), as well as neurologic conditions associated with light sensitivity, such as migraine and blepharospasm.
Recent Publication Highlights: Targeting the Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cell to Reduce Headache Pain and Light Sensitivity in Migraine: A Randomized Double-blind Trial. Posternack C, Kupchak P, Capriolo AI, Katz BJ .J Clin Neurosci. 2023 Jul;113:22-31. Sharp Edge Eye Syndrome: A Case Report and Survey of Self-Identified Individuals. Reynolds MS, Katz BJ, Digre KB, Brintz BJ, Olson LM, Warner JEA. J Neuroophthalmol. 2022 Dec 1;42(4):524-529. The Unmet Challenge of Diagnosing and Treating Photophobia. Buchanan TM, Digre KB, Warner JEA, Katz BJ. J Neuroophthalmol. 2022 Sep 1;42(3):372-377.
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KRIZ AJ LAB OR ATORY PI: David Krizaj, PhD Deputy Director of Research Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences John Frederick Carter Endowed Professor
Research Interests: Glaucoma and intraocular pressure regulation; photoreceptor signaling; calcium regulation in neuropathological disorders. Lab Overview: Dr. Krizaj is focused on studies of ocular mechanotransduction, with emphasis on how intraocular pressure is generated and regulated, and why sensitivity to mechanical stress kills neurons in the retina. The lab seeks to understand the molecular pathways that cause vision loss in eye diseases associated with mechanical stress, such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, or pathological swelling. The team developed new mouse models, which lack pressure sensors in specific cells that are important in glaucoma, and are testing them as the first proof-ofprinciple step toward glaucoma treatment. The lab also collaborates with a team of University of Utah chemists to design and develop new drugs to lower intraocular pressure, which are now being
prepared for clinical trial testing. Moreover, the lab branched into the study of mechanosensors in the cornea to treat corneal pain, a debilitating condition for which there is no effective cure; and mechanosensors in diabetic retinopathy, in collaboration with Bryan Jones’ team at Moran. NIH Funding FY23: Molecular Mechanisms of Mechanotransduction in the Aqueous Outflow Pathway ($385,000); Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Nonaxonal Mechanotransduction in Retinal Ganglion Cells ($385,000); Vision Research Training Grant ($161,827); Core Vision Research Grant ($161,827) Other Federal Funding FY23: NIH Subcontract: Targeting Mechanical Stress Signaling and Inflammasome in Traumatic Ocular Injury ($38,125)
Recent Publication Highlights: Retinal TRP Channels: Cell-type-specific Regulators of Retinal Homeostasis and Multimodal Integration. Križaj D, Cordeiro S, Strauß O. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2023 Jan;92:101114. TRPV4: Cell Type-specific Activation, Regulation and Function in the Vertebrate Eye. Lapajne L, Rudzitis CN, Cullimore B, Ryskamp D, Lakk M, Redmon SN, Yarishkin O, Krizaj D. Curr Top Membr. 2022;89:189-219. TRPV4 and TRPC1 Channels Mediate the Response to Tensile Strain in Mouse Müller Cells. Jo AO, Lakk M, Rudzitis CN, Križaj D. Cell Calcium. 2022 Jun;104:102588.
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IN TERM O UN TAI N OCU LAR RESEAR CH CENTER
Research Interests: Intraocular lenses; postoperative inflammation.
Co-Director Nick Mamalis, MD
Center Overview: As co-director of the Intermountain Ocular Research Center, Dr. Mamalis performs research in the area of intraocular lenses and postoperative inflammation. Dr. Mamalis is past president of the 8,000-member American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS). He is the editor emeritus of the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery and has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications, one textbook, and 45 book chapters. He lectures throughout the world and was selected by Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today as one of 50 international opinion leaders.
Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Director, Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory Calvin S. and JeNeal N. Hatch Presidential Endowed Chair
The Ophthalmologist magazine has named Dr. Mamalis as one of the most influential figures in ophthalmology internationally. Specifically, his research interests include ocular pathology; pathology and complications of intraocular lenses; surface-modified intraocular lenses; intraocular melanomas; analysis of ocular fluids used in surgery; ocular inflammation following cataract surgery; malignant lesions of the eyelids; antioxidants and AMD; dry eyes (hormonal influences and management); posterior capsule opacification; endophthalmitis and antibiotic treatment; and toxic anterior segment syndrome.
Recent Publication Highlights: Large Ciliary Body Melanocytoma with Pseudocysts: A Case Report. Simpson A, Mamalis N, Gee C, Harrie RP. BMC Ophthalmol. 2023 Jan 17;23(1):24. Corneal Endothelium Protection Provided by Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices During Phacoemulsification: Experimental Study in Rabbit Eyes. Park SSE, Wilkinson SW, Ungricht EL, Trapnell M, Nydegger J, Brintz BJ, Mamalis N, Olson RJ, Werner L. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2022 Dec 1;48(12):1440-1445. Late-onset Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome After Possible Aluminum-contaminated and Siliconcontaminated Intraocular Lens Implantation. Wijnants D, Delbeke H, Van Calster J, Beerlandt N, Nijs I, Werner L, Mamalis N, Saelens I. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2022 Apr 1;48(4):443-448.
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IN TERM O UN TAI N OCU LAR RESEAR CH CENTER
Research Interests: Pathology and complications of intraocular lenses.
Co-Director Liliana Werner, MD, PhD
Center Overview: As co-director of the Intermountain Ocular Research Center, Dr. Werner’s research is centered on the interaction between ocular tissues and different intraocular lens (IOL) designs, materials, and surface modifications. These include IOLs implanted after cataract surgery, phakic lenses for refractive surgery, and ophthalmic implantable devices in general.
Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Vice-Chair for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Ralph and Mary Tuck Presidential Endowed Chair
Dr. Werner has authored more than 360 peerreviewed publications and book chapters on the subject, co-edited three books, and received numerous awards in international meetings for
scientific presentations, videos, and posters. She has also been a guest speaker in different international meetings in at least 25 countries. Also, Dr. Werner is a consultant for various companies manufacturing IOLs and other ocular biodevices and a consultant for the FDA. She is recognized as a foremost authority in the IOL field and was the first woman to receive the prestigious American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Charles D. Kelman Award and Lecture. She is also the first woman and the first Latina to hold the position of U.S. Associated Editor for the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery. The Ophthalmologist magazine has named Dr. Werner as one of the most influential figures in ophthalmology internationally.
Recent Publication Highlights: Effect of Simulated Lenticular Debris on Corneal Endothelial Cells: Experimental Study in Rabbit Eyes. Wilkinson SW, Park SSE, Ungricht EL, Trapnell M, Nydegger J, Cardenas IA, Brintz BJ, Mamalis N, Olson RJ, Werner L. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2022 Nov 1;48(11):1325-1330. Wave-like Calcification on the Posterior Surface of an Acrylic Hydrophilic Bag-in-the-Lens (BIL) Implant. Ní Dhubhghaill S, Janssen C, Dragnea DC, Van Os L, Rozema J, Werner L, Van Dyck D, Tassignon MJ. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2022 Aug 27;28:101693. Clinical and Histopathological Findings in the Dead Bag Syndrome. Culp C, Qu P, Jones J, Fram N, Ogawa G, Masket S, Mamalis N, Werner L.J Cataract Refract Surg. 2022 Feb 1;48(2):177-184.
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M C DONNEL L LAB OR ATOR Y PI: Fiona McDonnell, PhD Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Research Interests: The study of glaucoma, with a special focus in conventional outflow physiology. Lab Overview: Dr. McDonnell's research aims to improve treatments that lower intraocular pressure by understanding the causal mechanisms of glaucoma. She has focused her work on the conventional outflow pathway and the cells and tissues responsible for aqueous humor drainage.
Studying exosomes, which are 20-150 nanometers in size, requires specialized expertise and equipment. Funded by the National Eye Institute, Dr. McDonnell is trying to find exosomes specific to the trabecular meshwork—something that could one day help develop a test for glaucoma. She will also study whether introducing healthy exosomes to damaged cells can repair them. NIH Funding FY23: Exosomes and Conventional Outflow Homeostasis ($250,057)
She specializes in one of the most exciting new areas of glaucoma research—nanoparticles released by all cells in the human body called exosomes. They have several potential applications in new therapies or diagnostic tests.
Recent Publication Highlights: Greater Outflow Facility Increase After Targeted Tubercular Bypass in Angiographically Determined Low-flow Regions. Strohmaier CA, Wanderer D, Zhang X, Agarwal D, Toomey CB, Wahlin K, Zhang HF, Stamer WD, Weinreb RN, McDonnell FS, Huang AS. Ophthalmol Glaucoma. 2023 Jun 20:S2589-4196(23)00110-2. Consensus Recommendation for Mouse Models of Ocular Hypertension to Study Aqueous Humor Outflow and Its Mechanisms. McDowell CM, Kizhatil K, Elliott MH, et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2022 Feb 1;63(2):12. Shear Stress in Schlemm's Canal as a Sensor of Intraocular Pressure. McDonnell F, Perkumas KM, Ashpole NE, et al. Sci Rep. 2020 Apr 2;10(1):5804.
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N OUD O O ST LAB OR ATORY PI: Behrad Noudoost, MD, PhD Associate Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Research Interests: Cognitive neuroscience; prefrontal modulation of the visual cortex. Lab Overview: Dr. Noudoost’s research is focused precisely on understanding the neural circuits and biological mechanisms that are necessary and sufficient to drive fundamental cognitive functions. Selective attention and working memory play a profound role in many of the tasks of everyday life; like driving a car, reading, and holding a conversation in a crowded room. These cognitive abilities are an integral part of all our goaloriented interactions with the world around us. The ultimate goal of the lab’s research is an understanding of the neural basis of selective attention and working memory.
In particular, the lab is studying the role of prefrontal control of visual cortical signals in these cognitive processes. This work involves electrophysiological recording, electrical stimulation, and pharmacological manipulation of neural activity in animals trained to perform tasks involving covert attention, spatial, and object working memory. NIH Funding FY23: Sensory Recruitment by Working Memory: Neuronal Basis and Neural Circuitry ($350,750); Prefrontal Contributions to PhaseDependent Representation of Visual Information ($384,896)
Recent Publication Highlights: A Recruitment Through Coherence Theory of Working Memory. Comeaux P, Clark K, Noudoost B. Prog Neurobiol. 2023 Sep;228:102491. Working Memory Gates Visual Input to Primate Prefrontal Neurons. Noudoost B, Clark KL, Moore T. E life. 2021 Jun 16;10:e64814. Frontotemporal Coordination Predicts Working Memory Performance and its Local Neural Signatures. Rezayat E, Dehaqani MA, Clark K, Bahmani Z, Moore T, Noudoost B. Nat Commun. 2021 Feb 17;12(1):1103.
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Neda Nategh, PhD Research Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Specialties: Computational neuroscience; neural mechanisms of visuospatial perception. Research Interests: Employing a computational approach combined with physiological experiments, Dr. Nategh and her group are developing mathematical models to predict and explain the responses of neurons in visual areas during eye movements. The team collaborates closely with experimental neuroscience labs at the University of Utah and Stanford University to collect electrophysiological data from the brain and the retina. Dr. Nategh and her team work at the intersection of neuroscience, computational science, and applications. Their basic science research adopts an integrative approach for studying the neural circuitry of visual perception. It tailors specific neurophysiological paradigms for data collection; uses those data in a computational model to predict the neural basis of specific behavioral outcomes; and
tests those predictions via psychophysical experiments and causal manipulations of brain activity. The team's computational research focuses on developing statistical methodologies capable of capturing time-dependent, high-dimensional neural computations at the interaction of sensory and behavioral signals. On the application side, their goal is to develop algorithmic and modeling solutions that can facilitate a huge leap forward in the design of robust visuomotor, cognitive prosthetic, and brain machine interface systems, which aim to restore our natural behavior. Other contributions envisioned for their approach include advancing machine vision and AI algorithms to rival humans’ perceptual capabilities. The projects have been funded by the NIH NEI, NSF, and NASA. NIH Funding FY23: Extrastriate Mechanisms of Visuospatial Perception during Eye Movements ($381,250)
Recent Publication Highlights: A Sensory Memory to Preserve Visual Representations Across Eye Movements. Akbarian A, Niknam K, Clark K, Noudoost B, Nategh N. bioRxiv 2020.02.28.970277 (full version under revision at Nature Communications) Characterizing and Dissociating Multiple Time-Varying Modulatory Computations Influencing Neuronal Activity. Niknam K, Akbarian A, Clark K, Zamani Y, Noudoost B, Nategh N. PLoS Comput Biol. 2019 Sep 12;15(9):e1007275. Developing a Nonstationary Computational Framework with Application to Modeling Dynamic Modulations in Neural Spiking Responses. Akbarian A, Niknam K, Parsa M, Clark K, Noudoost B, Nategh N. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2018 Feb;65(2):241-253.
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OWEN LABORATORY PI: Leah Owen, MD, PhD Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Research Interests: Translational analysis of genetic and molecular disease pathophysiology for blinding disease, including retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), pediatric strabismus, and amblyopia; and AMD. Lab Overview: Dr. Owen’s research program uses a multifaceted, systems-biology approach to understand the molecular pathobiology underlying human ocular disease. The goal of her work is to better inform preventative and curative therapies. To date, her work has identified novel mediators and genetic changes important for ROP and AMD, described single-cell gene signatures in normal and diseased human eye tissues, innovated a new protocol for postmortem eye tissue analysis termed the “Utah Protocol,” developed a new model for prediction of ROP disease in preterm infants, described new disease-causing mutations in families with inherited ocular disease, and
elucidated patterns of eye disease in protected populations. The Owen lab’s current focus is understanding why preterm infants develop the blinding condition of ROP. Together with her team, Dr. Owen has developed a unique approach to understanding and identifying early factors that influence ROP risk. She partners with obstetrics and gynecology, pathology, and neonatology colleagues worldwide to study how the in-utero environment, including maternal and placental factors, may influence later development of ROP in preterm infants. They have identified novel factors that may allow us to intervene and prevent disease within a natural model of ROP protection seen when mothers have preeclampsia.
Recent Publication Highlights: A Systems Biology Approach Uncovers Novel Disease Mechanisms in Age-related Macular Degeneration. Orozco LD, Owen LA, Hofmann J, Stockwell AD, Tao J, Haller S, Mukundan VT, Clarke C, Lund J, Sridhar A, Mayba O, Barr JL, Zavala RA, Graves EC, Zhang C, Husami N, Finley R, Au E, Lillvis JH, Farkas MH, Shakoor A, Sherva R, Kim IK, Kaminker JS, Townsend MJ, Farrer LA, Yaspan BL, Chen HH, DeAngelis MM. Cell Genom. 2023 Apr 18;3(6):100302. Heritable Risk and Protective Genetic Components of Glaucoma Medication Non-Adherence. Barr JL, Feehan M, Tak C, Owen LA, Finley RC, Cromwell PA, Lillvis JH, Hicks PM, Au E, Farkas MH, Weiner A, Reynolds AL, Sieminski SF, Sherva RM, Munger MA, Brilliant MH, DeAngelis MM. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Mar 15;24(6):5636. Placental Inflammation Significantly Correlates with Reduced Risk for Retinopathy of Prematurity. Owen LA, Zhang C, Shirer K, Carroll L, Wood B, Szczotka K, Cornia C, Stubben C, Fung C, Yost CC, Katikaneni LD, DeAngelis MM, Comstock J. Am J Pathol. 2023 Feb 21:S0002-9440(23)00051-2. JOHN A. MORAN EYE CENTER RESEARCH PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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Jeff Pettey, MD, MBA Clinical Vice Chair Associate Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Specialties: Cataract surgical technology and safety; ophthalmic education; global eye health. Research Interests: Dr. Pettey has an active interest in health policy, and in developing and optimizing novel surgical approaches in cataract surgeries.
Recent Publication Highlights:
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UTAH RETINAL READING CENTER (UREAD)
Research Interests: AMD; retinal imaging; structural functional correlation.
Executive Director Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg, MD
Center Overview: Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg, MD, is an expert in high-resolution retinal imaging. He directs UREAD, which plays a key role in the clinical trial for a new therapy for a prevalent form of AMD, as well as other therapies in development. With international partners from both academia and industry, UREAD takes an active part in several initiatives to advance the field of imaging-based
Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Jon M. Huntsman Presidential Chair
Dr. Schmitz-Valckenberg holds a Jon M. Huntsman Presidential Chair at the University of Utah and is a prolific researcher with more than 190 peer-reviewed publications. His honors include being named by The Ophthalmologist to its Power List 2017: Top 50 Rising Stars. NIH Funding FY23-24: Progression of Early Atrophic Lesions in Age-Related Macular Degeneration ($385,000)
biomarkers and is involved in several clinical trials. Previously, he co-founded and directed the Grading of Digital Fundus Examination (GRADE) Reading Center at the University of Bonn, Germany, where he was the Department of Ophthalmology’s assistant medical director. He has introduced various imaging techniques to map the stages of decline in AMD. Recent Publication Highlights: Inter-Reader Agreement and Longitudinal Progression of Incomplete/Complete Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Outer Retinal Atrophy in AMD. Schmitz-Valckenberg S, Saßmannshausen M, Braun M, Steffen V, Gao SS, Honigberg L, Ferrara D, Pfau M, Holz FG. Ophthalmol Retina. 2023 Jul 28:S2468-6530(23)00354-8. Repeatability of Quantitative Autofluorescence Imaging in a Multicenter Study Involving Patients With Recessive Stargardt Disease 1. Dhooge PPA, Möller PT, Meland N, Stingl K, Boon CJF, Lotery AJ, Parodi MB, Herrmann P, Klein W, Fsadni MG, Wheeler-Schilling TH, Holz FG, Hoyng CB, Schmitz-Valckenberg S; Soraprazan Consortium.Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2023 Feb 1;12(2):1. From Genes, Proteins, and Clinical Manifestation: Why Do We Need to Better Understand Age-Related Macular Degeneration? Schmitz-Valckenberg S, Zouache MA, Hageman GS, Fleckenstein M. Ophthalmol Sci. 2022 May 31;2(2):100174.
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PI: Brian C. Stagg, MD Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Specialties: Clinical decision support in glaucoma; personalized medicine; health informatics; population health.
NIH Funding FY23: Improving Glaucoma Care Using a Scalable Decision Support System ($270,246)
Research Interests: Dr. Stagg’s research interests are in health services research, health informatics, and predictive modeling. He focuses on improving outcomes for patients with glaucoma using clinical decision support systems to enhance clinical decision-making to ensure that patients receive appropriate glaucoma care.
Recent Publication Highlights: Systematic User-centered Design of a Prototype Clinical Decision Support System for Glaucoma. Stagg BC, Tullis B, Asare A, Stein JD, Medeiros FA, Weir C, Borbolla D, Hess R, Kawamoto K. Ophthalmol Sci. 2023 Feb 2;3(3):100279. A Scoping Review of Patients' Barriers to Eye Care for Glaucoma and Keratitis. Hicks PM, Kang L, Armstrong ML, Pongrac JR, Stagg BC, Saylor KM, Newman-Casey PA, Woodward MA. Surv Ophthalmol. 2023 Jul-Aug;68(4):567-577. The Burden of Caring for and Treating Glaucoma: The Patient Perspective. Stagg BC, Granger A, Guetterman TC, Hess R, Lee PP. Ophthalmol Glaucoma. 2022 Jan-Feb;5(1):32-39.
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TIAN LABORATORY PI: Ning Tian, PhD Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Adjunct Professor, Neurobiology
Research Interests: Retinal neurobiology; synaptic plasticity. Lab Overview: Neuronal signals are processed in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) through parallel synaptic pathways. These synaptic pathways are formed with distinct cellular and molecular components and, in some cases, regulated by different mechanisms during development. In many parts of the CNS, including the visual system, a fundamental anatomical feature of the parallel synaptic pathways is the histologically discrete laminar structure. The cellular and molecular specificity of the laminar structure appears to be a major determinant of the specific synaptic pathways. In vertebrate retina, synaptic pathways processing different aspects of visual signals are also formed with different neuronal subtypes and synaptic structures in distinct laminae. This laminar structure is not mature at birth and continues to develop during postnatal ages in most mammalian retinas. Dr. Tian’s research aims to
understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms, which regulate the development of the retinal synaptic pathways and the formation of the laminar structure, and how these mechanisms are modulated under normal and pathological conditions. The lab’s principal strategies are to examine retinal ganglion cell (RGC) synaptic connectivity and activity at different stages of development under normal and pathological conditions and to test specific hypotheses using appropriate transgenic animal models. In 2021, the lab published findings of the discovery of a new type of nerve cell in the retina, a notable development for the field as scientists work toward a better understanding of the central nervous system by identifying all classes of neurons and their connections. NIH Funding FY23: Mechanisms Underlying CD3zeta Guided Assembly of Retinal Circuits ($381,250)
Recent Publication Highlights: An Uncommon Neuronal Class Conveys Visual Signals from Rods and Cones to Retinal Ganglion Cells. Young BK, Ramakrishnan C, Ganjawala T, Wang P, Deisseroth K, Tian N. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2021 Nov 2;118(44):e2104884118. Visual Deprivation Retards the Maturation of Dendritic Fields and Receptive Fields of Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells. Chen H, Xu HP, Wang P, Tian N. Front Cell Neurosci. 2021 Apr 27;15:640421. The Susceptibility of Retinal Ganglion Cells to Optic Nerve Injury is Type Specific. Yang N, Young BK, Wang P, Tian N. Cells. 2020 Mar 10;9(3):677.
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VINBERG LABORATORY PI: Frans Vinberg, PhD Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Research Interests: Retinal electrophysiology and calcium signaling; phototransduction and visual cycle; retinal disease. Lab Overview: The Vinberg lab works to understand retinal mechanisms that enable vision over a wide range of light intensities and colors and how these mechanisms are affected in major blinding diseases like AMD and diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Vinberg previously focused on mechanisms that regulate calcium (Ca2+) in the eye’s photoreceptor cells and how dynamic modulation of Ca2+ in these cells contributes to the light adaptation and temporal resolution of vision. In addition to basic science, Dr. Vinberg’s work has provided mechanistic insight into a night blindness disease caused by mutation in Slc24a1 gene encoding for a Ca2+ exchanger expressed in the rod photoreceptor cells.
The Vinberg lab uses state-of-the-art electrophysiology (single cell and ex vivo/in vivo ERG) and Ca2+ imaging techniques together with basic pharmacology and molecular/cell biology tools to study fundamental molecular/cellular and disease mechanisms, mainly in thephotoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium cells from mice, primates and human donor eyes. Current projects focus on human central vision; plasticity in retinal degenerative disease; and photoreceptors in diabetes. In 2022, the lab led a team that revived lightsensing neuron cells in organ donor eyes and restored communication between them as part of a series of discoveries that stand to transform brain and vision research. NIH Funding FY23: Pigment Regeneration Mechanisms in the Human Retina ($396,625); Functional Plasticity in Retinal Degenerative Disease ($384,792)
Recent Publication Highlights: Revival of Light Signalling in the Postmortem Mouse and Human Retina. Abbas F, Becker S, Jones BW, Mure LS, Panda S, Hanneken A, Vinberg F. Nature. 2022 Jun;606(7913):351-357. Optimizing the Setup and Conditions for Ex Vivo Electroretinogram to Study Retina Function in Small and Large Eyes. Abbas F, Vinberg F, Becker S. J Vis Exp. 2022 Jun 27;(184):10.3791/62763. Transduction and Adaptation Mechanisms in the Cilium or Microvilli of Photoreceptors and Olfactory Receptors from Insects to Humans. Abbas F, Vinberg F. Front Cell Neurosci. 2021 Apr 1;15:662453.
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Silke Becker, PhD Research Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Specialties: Retinal electrophysiology; retinal degenerative diseases; diabetic retinopathy; photoreceptor physiology. Research Interests: Retinal neurons are among the most metabolically demanding tissues in the body and require a tremendous supply of oxygen from the choroidal and retinal vasculature. Retinal degenerative diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, are frequently associated with vascular defects that result in retinal hypoxia. Dr. Becker’s research in the Vinberg Lab investigates the consequences of short- and long-term hypoxia on the function of retinal neurons. In previous
studies, she discovered that reduced photoreceptor and ON-bipolar cell function in the diabetic retina is reversible and not cell intrinsic. Current work focuses on hypoxia due to retinal and choroidal vascular defects as a mechanism by which diabetes attenuates photoreceptor and ON-bipolar cell function and promotes the development of diabetic retinopathy.
Recent Publication Highlights: Optimizing the Setup and Conditions for Ex Vivo Electroretinogram to Study Retina Function in Small and Large Eyes. Abbas F, Vinberg F, Becker S. J Vis Exp. 2022 Jun 27;(184):10.3791/62763. Revival of Light Signalling in the Postmortem Mouse and Human Retina. Abbas F, Becker S, Jones BW, Mure LS, Panda S, Hanneken A, Vinberg F. Nature. 2022 Jun;606(7913):351-357. Rod Phototransduction And Light Signal Transmission During Type 2 Diabetes. Becker S, Carroll LS, Vinberg F. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2020 Aug;8(1):e001571.
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YANG LABORATORY PI: Jun Yang, PhD Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Research Interests: Pathogenetic mechanisms of retinal degeneration; cell biology of photoreceptors. Lab Overview: Dr. Yang’s laboratory research focuses on disease mechanisms and therapeutic treatments for retinal degenerative diseases using mouse models. Her research group investigates the biological functions of genes whose mutations are known to cause human retinal diseases. The group also studies how to treat these diseases utilizing gene therapy. Dr. Yang’s team is also interested in the cell biology of photoreceptors, especially the cellular processes of intracellular trafficking and structural maintenance. The research led by Dr. Yang is attempting to understand more about retinal degenerative diseases, identify more candidate
causative genes, and provide tactics to design various therapies. Dr. Yang’s laboratory uses a combination of experimental approaches, including molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics approaches. NIH Funding FY24: Disease Mechanism of Usher Syndrome 2 ($469,144) Other Federal Funding FY23: National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Utah Translational Innovation Pilot (TIP) program grant ($30,000)
Recent Publication Highlights: Adenylyl Cyclase 6 Plays a Minor Role in the Mouse Inner Ear and Retina. Mathur PD, Zou J, Neiswanger G, Zhu D, Wang Y, Almishaal AA, Vashist D, Hammond HK, Park AH, Yang J. Sci Rep. 2023 May 1;13(1):7075. USH2A Gene Mutations in Rabbits Lead to Progressive Retinal Degeneration and Hearing Loss. Nguyen VP, Song J, Prieskorn D, Zou J, Li Y, Dolan D, Xu J, Zhang J, Jayasundera KT, Yang J, Raphael Y, Khan N, Iannuzzi M, Bisgaier C, Chen YE, Paulus YM, Yang D. Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2023 Feb 1;12(2):26. Deafness-Associated ADGRV1 Mutation Impairs USH2A Stability through Improper Phosphorylation of WHRN and WDSUB1 Recruitment. Guan Y, Du HB, Yang Z, Wang YZ, Ren R, Liu WW, Zhang C, Zhang JH, An WT, Li NN, Zeng XX, Li J, Sun YX, Wang YF, Yang F, Yang J, Xiong W, Yu X, Chai RJ, Tu XM, Sun JP, Xu ZG. Adv Sci (Weinh). 2023 Jun;10(16):e2205993.
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Guoxin Ying, PhD Research Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Specialties: Retinal degeneration diseases; neuroscience; gene therapy. Research Interests: Dr. Ying works in the Yang Laboratory studying retinal function and degeneration using transgenic technologies designed to inform precise mechanisms of protein function.
Recent Publication Highlights: Arf-like Protein 2 (ARL2) Controls Microtubule Neogenesis during Early Postnatal Photoreceptor Development. Gerstner CD, Reed M, Dahl TM, Ying G, Frederick JM, Baehr W. Cells. 2022 Dec 30;12(1):147. Deletion of CEP164 in Mouse Photoreceptors Post-ciliogenesis Interrupts Ciliary Intraflagellar Transport (IFT). Reed M, Takemaru KI, Ying G, Frederick JM, Baehr W. PLoS Genet. 2022 Sep 8;18(9):e1010154. Effect of Conditional Deletion of Cytoplasmic Dynein Heavy Chain DYNC1H1 on Postnatal Photoreceptors. Dahl TM, Reed M, Gerstner CD, Ying G, Baehr W. PLoS One. 2021 Mar 11;16(3):e0248354.
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PROF ESSORS EMERITUS
Donnell J. Creel, PhD Research Professor (Emeritus), Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah
Jeanne M. Frederick, PhD
Helga E. T. Kolb, PhD
Research Associate Professor (Emerita), Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah
and Visual Sciences, University of Utah
Professor (Emerita), Ophthalmology Doctor Honoris Causa, Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche, Spain Editor, webvision.med.utah.edu
Specialty: Electrophysiology.
Specialties: Retinal cell and molecular biology.
JOHN A. MORAN EYE CENTER RESEARCH PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Specialty: Retinal anatomy.
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Robert E. Marc, PhD
Richard A. Normann, PhD
Distinguished Professor (Emeritus), Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah
Professor (Emeritus), Ophthalmology
MarcLab for Connectomics
Doctor Honoris Causa, Universidad Miguel
and Visual Sciences; Distinguished Professor of Bioengineering, University of Utah Hernandez de Elche, Spain
Specialties: Retinal neurotransmission and networks; retinal degenerations; metabolomics.
Specialties: Artificial vision/neural prosthetics.
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