The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
McGovern Medical School
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science

My research program focuses on understanding the disease mechanisms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with particular emphasis on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), lipid metabolism, and cellular signaling pathways such as mTOR. Our work has shown that hyperactivation of the mTOR pathway leads to metabolic reprogramming in the RPE, resulting in degeneration and retinal dysfunction. Building on these findings, we are identifying key downstream targets of aberrant mTOR signaling, such as DARPP32, and investigating how these molecules contribute to AMD pathogenesis.

A second area of focus is the role of Lipin 1 in RPE metabolism. Using an RPE-specific knockout model, we have demonstrated that loss of Lipin 1 causes lipid accumulation, RPE degeneration, and vision loss. By applying multi-omic approaches, including transcriptomics, lipidomics, and high-resolution metabolomics, we are uncovering how local metabolic dysregulation contributes to AMD development and progression.

In addition, my group is exploring how maternal obesity influences visual function in offspring. Using mouse models, we have observed impaired retinal responses in pups born to obese breeders, likely driven by mitochondrial and antioxidant dysregulation. This project bridges vision science with metabolism and developmental biology, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary training and collaboration.

Students participating in tutorials in my laboratory will gain hands-on experience with animal models of retinal disease, in vivo imaging (fundus photography, OCT, electroretinography), molecular and cell biology assays, and computational analysis of multi-omics datasets. Depending on their interests, students might explore AMD-related signaling and metabolism, or investigate how systemic metabolic stress shapes visual development.

PubMed

Education & Training

PhD, Emory University, 2004