Research Projects
CEVO’s research has led to the development and progression of multiple vision health processes and devices. Our research focuses on imaging and optics, vision restoration therapies, drug treatments and genetic therapy, and the use of analytics to develop novel AI technologies.
CEVO members pursue a wide range of research topics. Here are a few examples of active research projects led by CEVO members.
Examples of Active Projects
A nanocarrier platform for targeting Schlemm’s canal cells
Project lead: Evan Scott and Mark Johnson
This project aims to develop a novel nanocarrier to specifically target Schlemm’s canal cells in glaucoma patients. The goal is to achieve sustainable release of the selected drug payload encapsulated in the nanocarrier to decrease aqueous outflow resistance and maintain normal intraocular pressure.
Novel ocular imaging and molecular analysis of anterior eye segment for glaucoma
Project lead: Tsutomu Kume and Hao F. Zhang
This project aims to combine molecular biology tools (e.g., RNAseq, CHIPseq), new transgenic mouse models, and advanced imaging using visible-light optical coherence tomography to investigate the genotypic and phenotypic correlation in the outflow pathway associated with FOXC2 transcription factor mutation. The ultimate goal is to identify new drug candidates to manage congenital glaucoma.
Activation of the Angiopoietin-Tie2/TEK Pathway to Treat Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma
Project lead: Susan E. Quaggin
Understanding how endothelial cells of Schlemm’s canal are regulated by their environment and how they communicate with nearby cells is critical to discovering new intraocular pressure-regulating therapeutic targets. This project focuses on molecular crosstalk between the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm’s canal via the angiopoietin signaling pathway, exploring its role in IOP homeostasis, aqueous humor outflow and as a potential target for glaucoma therapy.
Clinical glaucoma management enabled by visible-light OCT
Project lead: Hao F. Zhang and Joel Schuman (Wills Eye Institute)
This project aims to identify both anatomical and functional pathological alterations, such as synaptic dropout in the inner plexiform layer, in both early- and late-stage glaucoma. These pathological alterations are beyond the reach of current clinical ophthalmic imaging modalities.
The role of Angiopoietin-TEK signaling in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Project lead: Benjamin Thomson
Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a poorly understood macular degeneration-like disease that accounts for a substantial proportion of neovascular eye disease in patients of Asian and African ancestry. This project focuses on the use of Angiopoietin – 1 knockout mice, which develop a choroidal disease very similar to PCV, as a model of to study PCV pathogenesis and discover new drug targets for PCV-specific therapies.
In vivo function and metabolism evaluation of glaucomatous RGCs by two-photon scanning laser ophthalmoscopy
Project lead: Yang Hu (Stanford University) and Hao F. Zhang
This project aims to investigate the fates of different types of retinal ganglion cells throughout the progression of glaucoma in the mouse model of silicon oil-induced hypertension. We will also develop a unique two-photon microscope integrated with a multi-color patterned visual stimulator to achieve in vivo classification of retinal ganglion cells.
Aqueous Humor Outflow Study Group
Aqueous Humor Outflow Study Group is a multidisciplinary team of CEVO members investigating aqueous outflow with expertise in genetics, molecular biology, imaging, nanotechnology, mechanics, and mathematical modeling. Professor Mark Johnson leads the team; the team members include Professors Evan Scott, Tsutomu Kume, Susan E. Quaggin, Benjamin Thomson, and Hao F. Zhang. This group is arguably the largest group studying aqueous humor outflow dynamics at a single university in the world.
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