Clare Futter

Professor Clare Futter is a Professor of Cell Biology at the Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London. Her research focuses on membrane traffic in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, including lysosomal degradation of photoreceptor outer segments, melanin pigment dynamics, and mechanisms of retinal degenerative diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). She leads the Development, Ageing and Disease theme at the Institute and utilizes advanced imaging techniques such as real-time membrane traffic imaging and 3D electron microscopy.

• Education:
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Glasgow (1988)
  • Bachelor of Science, University of Liverpool (1984)

Her research explores how membrane traffic defects contribute to ocular debris accumulation and UV light protection via melanin. Current work integrates patient-derived stem cells, retinal organoids, and artificial intelligence to study ageing and disease mechanisms. Collaborations include researchers like T Burgoyne, M Seabra, and C Barral.

Recent publications highlight lysosomal dysfunction, mitochondrial dynamics in retinal ageing, and viral entry mechanisms (SARS-CoV-2). Methodological contributions include the Gold Particle Analyser for electron microscopy quantification.

Her lab investigates membrane trafficking trends, including:

• Lysosomal exocytosis in lipidotic macrophages
• TFEB-mediated degradation pathways
• 3D ultrastructural analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infection
• Cholesterol ester-induced lysosome dysfunction
• Methamphetamine's impact on blood-brain barrier permeability

Professor Futter's work bridges fundamental cell biology with translational ocular disease research, emphasizing membrane traffic's role in retinal health.