Department: Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

E-mail: ed.levine@utah.edu
Address: John A. Moran Eye Center
Phone: 587-9537

Research Title: Screening for Inhibitors of Glial Scar Formation in the Damaged Retina

Description of Research:

The formation of a glial scar is a serious complication of retinal trauma and surgery. Underlying processes that form the scar are proliferation and migration of the retinal glia. When this occurs, glia have entered into what is termed a reactive state. Using genetic approaches, our lab has identified a candidate regulator of glial reactivity. Specifically, inactivation of the cell cycle protein p27Kip1 in the adult mouse retina results in precocious glial proliferation and migration. The summer fellow will test the hypothesis that small molecules that mimic p27Kip1 function prevent retinal glial reactivity. This will be done in an in vitro paradigm incorporating organotypic retinal cultures. Promising candidates will then be tested for their ability to prevent glial reactivity in models of retinal trauma, including models of retinal detachment.

Does this research involve human subjects or animals? Yes

If yes, what is the protocol number? 08-11009

10/2009