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Gad HeilweilView profile

Associate Professor

• Retinal Diseases
• Gene Therapy
• Stem Cell Therapy
• +5 more

Gad Heilweil, MD is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Department of Ophthalmology and practices at the Doheny Eye Center UCLA in Pasadena. He specializes in medical and surgical retina care, offering advanced treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) , diabetic retinopathy , retinal vein occlusions , and macular dystrophies . He also serves on academic committees and trains future ophthalmologists. Education: MD, Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology (1997) Ophthalmology Residency, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (2009) Research Fellowship in Vitreo-Retinal Surgery, Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA (2012) Dr. Heilweil’s research focuses on innovative treatments for retinal diseases , including stem cell therapies and gene therapies for AMD and Stargardt’s macular dystrophy. His work spans clinical trials , multi-center studies , and advanced ocular imaging . His publications highlight expertise in retinal vascular diseases , gene therapy , stem cell transplantation , and anti-VEGF treatments . Key trends include quantification of retinal ischemia , adjunctive therapies for AMD , and surgical innovations for complex retinal conditions. Scientific Awards: American Academy of Ophthalmology Best Poster Award Top Doctor, Pasadena Magazine Top Doctor, Los Angeles Magazine Dr. Heilweil is actively involved in training ophthalmologists and integrating state-of-the-art technology into clinical practice. He is affiliated with Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and accepts multiple insurance providers.

Natik PiriView profile

Professor

• Molecular mechanisms of Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) death in glaucoma
• Apoptosis
• Gene expression analysis
• +6 more

Natik Piri is a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and serves as Director of the Molecular Biology of Retinal Ganglion Cells laboratory at the Jules Stein Eye Institute. His research focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms driving retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis in glaucoma and identifying novel RGC-expressed genes for therapeutic intervention. Primary Affiliation: Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA Research Focus: Gene expression patterns, proteomic technologies, and molecular biology to study RGC death and survival in glaucoma. Key Techniques: DNA microarrays, biochemical assays, and genetic models. Dr. Piri’s recent work examines oxidative stress, autophagy, and Rbfox1/2 gene modulation in RGCs, with implications for neuroprotective therapies. Trends in his publications include: Investigations into gene regulation (e.g., Rbfox1/2, Sp1-binding sites) Protein interactions (e.g., Nell2-Macf1, thioredoxins) Neurodegenerative pathways in optic neuropathies Therapeutic targets like celastrol and crystallins

Xian-Jie YangView profile

Academic

• Developmental Biology
• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Development
• +6 more

Xian-Jie Yang is a Professor in Residence in the Department of Ophthalmology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is affiliated with the Jules Stein Eye Institute and is also a member of the Molecular Biology Institute and Brain Research Institute at UCLA. Dr. Yang has served on the UCLA School of Medicine faculty since joining the Department of Ophthalmology in 1996 and became an associate professor in 2003. Dr. Yang obtained her B.S. in biology from Beijing Normal University and her Ph.D. from Cornell University in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology. She pursued postdoctoral training at Harvard University and Harvard Medical School, where she worked on vertebrate neural development. Dr. Yang's research centers on the development and diseases of the vertebrate retina, with a particular focus on growth factor signaling mechanisms during normal neural differentiation and neuronal survival in retinal degeneration. Her laboratory is also developing cellular and molecular therapies for inherited retinal diseases. Her work employs various molecular and biochemical approaches, including gene cloning, expression pattern characterization, retinal cell culture, protein activation analysis, and retroviral vector technologies to introduce genes into developing retina and brain. Dr. Yang's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on understanding how cytokine signaling pathways, particularly CNTF-mediated signaling, affect retinal cell survival and function in degenerative conditions like retinitis pigmentosa. Her research has increasingly incorporated advanced techniques such as single-cell transcriptomics and human pluripotent stem cell models to study retinal development and disease. Undergraduate Mentor Award, University of California Los Angeles, 2022 Ernest G. Herman Chair in Ophthalmology, University of California Los Angeles, 2012 Dolly Green Special Scholar Award, Foundation Fighting Blindness, 2002-2003 Research Awards, Karl Kirchgessner Foundation, 1999-2002 Basil O'Connor Starter Award, March of Dimes Foundation, 1998-2000 Career Development Award, Foundation Fighting Blindness, 1996-2000 Dr. Yang has mentored numerous students and researchers throughout her career, evidenced by her Undergraduate Mentor Award in 2022. Her laboratory at the Jules Stein Eye Institute serves as a hub for research on retinal development and degeneration. Current research directions include investigating metabolic pathways in retinal neuroprotection, developing stem cell-based models for inherited retinal diseases, and exploring novel therapeutic approaches for conditions like dominant optic atrophy. Dr. Yang continues to secure research funding, including support from the National Eye Institute for her work on cytokine signal transduction in retinal development.

• Neuroscience
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
• Medical Education
• +3 more

Teresa Patitucci, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). Her academic career spans both teaching and research, with secondary appointments in the School of Pharmacy and extramural teaching roles at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. She has served as Course Director for multiple anatomy courses in MCW's Discovery Curriculum and directs community education initiatives through plastination programs. Education: BS in Biology (2008), PhD in Cell Biology (2016) from MCW Certifications: Neuroanatomy & Head/Neck Anatomy from American Association of Anatomists Her research focuses on Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) neurobiology, particularly astrocyte-motor neuron interactions and iPSC disease modeling. She has pioneered educational innovations in cultural competence training and reflective practice for medical students, evidenced by her 2024 WMJ publication on skin tone attitudes in preclinical education. Her work bridges basic science with medical humanities, incorporating arts-based teaching methods. Publications demonstrate expertise in SMA pathogenesis (7 articles 2013-2017), influenza diagnostic development (2009-2010), and medical education reform (2019-2024). Key themes include non-cell-autonomous disease mechanisms, neural stem cell culture systems, and curriculum innovations for professional identity formation. Scientific Awards : Outstanding Medical Student Teacher (4x) Learning Resource Innovation Award (2020-2021) Harry Beckman Basic Science Teaching Award (2021-2022) Graduate Student Fellowship (2012-2016) Mentorship includes supervising postdoctoral researchers and leading grants for plastination specimen creation ($18k) and reflective writing programs ($12.55k total funding). She chairs multiple curriculum committees and directs the M2 Musculoskeletal Skin Unit.

Deborah WinterView profile

Associate Professor

• Immunology
• Rheumatology
• Transcriptomics
• +4 more

Deborah Winter serves as Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, holding the Solovy/Arthritis Research Society Research Professor title. Her work is deeply integrated with multiple research centers including the Center for Genetic Medicine, Center for Human Immunobiology, and the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. Dr. Winter's research program centers on immunological mechanisms in autoimmune diseases, with particular focus on macrophage and monocyte heterogeneity in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, and lupus. She employs cutting-edge single-cell transcriptomic approaches to dissect cellular dysregulation in synovial tissue, esophageal epithelium, and kidney development, revealing novel pathways for therapeutic intervention. Her work bridges basic science discoveries with clinical applications in precision medicine. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrates consistent investigation of immune cell subsets across diverse disease contexts. Key themes include transcriptional regulation of stromal cells by TCF21, monocyte aging signatures in scleroderma, and macrophage heterogeneity in obstructive cholestasis and eosinophilic esophagitis. This body of work reveals fundamental insights into tissue-specific immune responses with direct implications for biomarker development and targeted therapies. As an active member of Northwestern's research ecosystem, Dr. Winter contributes to interdisciplinary collaborations advancing immunobiology and translational medicine, with recent work featured in high-impact studies on viral pneumonia mechanisms and chronic inflammation suppression.

• Bioinformatics
• Biostatistics
• Infectious Diseases
• +6 more

Yong Kong is a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Biostatistics at the Yale School of Public Health , affiliated with the W.M. Keck Foundation Biotechnology Laboratory and the NIDA Neuroproteomics Center . His research bridges computational biology, infectious disease modeling, and genomic data science with applications to public health. PhD in Computational Biology (Washington University School of Medicine, 1997) BA in Biomedical Engineering/Computer Science (Tsinghua University) MS in Neurobiology (Shanghai Institute of Physiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences) Research Interests: Host-pathogen interaction profiling using multidimensional data Microbiome dynamics in respiratory and gastrointestinal infections Statistical methods for genomic sequence analysis Computational modeling of inflammatory and immune response pathways Public health applications of combinatorics and run statistics Recent Publication Trends: Focus on bat virus immune evasion mechanisms, multivariate run statistics, and microbiome-resistome interactions across veterinary and human health contexts. Collaborates extensively with immunologists (A. Iwasaki, M. Pettigrew) and infectious disease specialists. Labs & Collaborations: Core member of the Keck Biotechnology Laboratory at Yale, contributing to bioinformatics infrastructure and interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Elizabeth SugarView profile

Research Professor

• Biostatistics
• Clinical Trials
• Longitudinal Cohort Studies
• +5 more

Elizabeth Sugar, PhD, MS is a Research Professor in the Department of Biostatistics at Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health, with a joint appointment in Epidemiology. Her work spans multiple domains including ophthalmology, respiratory medicine, and oncology, focusing on the statistical design and analysis of complex clinical trials and observational studies. Dr. Sugar earned her PhD from the University of Washington, Seattle in 2003, her MS from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1997, and her BA from Pomona College in 1995. Her educational background has provided a strong foundation for her work in biostatistics and clinical research methodology. Her primary research interests center on biostatistics, clinical trials, and longitudinal cohort studies. She has made significant contributions to ophthalmology research, particularly through her leadership in the Multicenter Uveitis Steroid Treatment (MUST) Trial where she served as Chair of the Statistical Committee. Her work in respiratory medicine has focused on asthma and COPD clinical trials, while her oncology research has concentrated on pancreatic cancer trials and vaccine development. Dr. Sugar's expertise spans both early-stage (Phase I/II) and late-stage (Phase III) clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on uveitis and macular edema treatment outcomes, pancreatic cancer immunotherapy trials, and respiratory health studies. Her research demonstrates methodological rigor in clinical trial design, with particular emphasis on statistical approaches for complex ophthalmological and respiratory conditions. She frequently collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across Johns Hopkins and national research consortia. Dr. Sugar has been instrumental in major clinical trials including the MUST Trial, the Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS), and multiple pancreatic cancer vaccine trials. Her work has consistently focused on improving clinical trial methodology and statistical approaches for complex disease areas. She leads statistical components of multiple large-scale clinical trials, particularly in ophthalmology where she has established herself as a leading biostatistician for uveitis research. Her laboratory work focuses on developing and applying advanced statistical methods for clinical trial analysis, with particular expertise in longitudinal data analysis and complex trial designs.

Bruce BerkowitzView profile

Professor

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Imaging
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +5 more

Bruce Berkowitz is a Professor of Ophthalmology at Wayne State University School of Medicine. His research focuses on developing and applying next generation imaging biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment before overt neurodegeneration occurs. Dr. Berkowitz's research interests span multiple areas of ophthalmology and neuroscience, with particular emphasis on retinal imaging , neurodegenerative diseases , and diabetic complications . His laboratory investigates: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarker development for early disease detection Retinal oxidative stress mechanisms in diabetes and neurodegenerative conditions Mitochondrial function in photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium Imaging techniques including OCT, MRI, and optokinetic tracking Therapeutic interventions for retinal diseases Analysis of Dr. Berkowitz's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on retinal imaging biomarkers , particularly using optical coherence tomography to detect early changes in various conditions. His work spans multiple disease areas including diabetic retinopathy, Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma, and retinal degenerative diseases like Stargardt disease and retinitis pigmentosa. A recurring theme is the investigation of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in the retina as early indicators of pathology. His research increasingly explores therapeutic interventions, particularly low-dose compounds like DMSO, that might prevent or mitigate retinal damage before overt symptoms appear. Dr. Berkowitz leads the Berkowitz Laboratory, which utilizes multiple species including humans, rats, and mice in their research. His team collaborates with numerous national and international researchers across various disciplines. The laboratory employs advanced imaging techniques to detect subtle changes in retinal structure and function before traditional clinical symptoms manifest, with the goal of enabling earlier intervention in neurodegenerative and metabolic eye diseases.

• Autophagy
• Functional Foods
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +3 more

Taichi Hara is a Professor at the Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University since 2017. Previously held positions at Gunma University (2010-2017) and the University of Pennsylvania (2009-2010). His research bridges autophagy , functional foods , and protein quality control in neurodegenerative diseases. Education: Ph.D. in Medicine from Kyushu University (2004). Research Themes focus on autophagy regulation by dietary compounds, mechanisms of protein accumulation in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and tauopathy, and applications of mTOR signaling in healthspan extension. His work connects food science with cellular degradation pathways and neurodegenerative disease modeling. Article Trends emphasize plant-derived compounds (isorhamnetin, bilberry anthocyanins) for autophagy modulation, mTORC2-GATA3 axis in lysosomal function, and mouse models for neurodegenerative disorders. Studies span hepatocyte protection , skin aging , and embryonic development . Professional Memberships include the Japanese Society for Food Science and Technology, Japanese Biochemical Society, and Japanese Society for Neurochemistry.

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Nervous System Diseases
• +3 more

Roman Blanco Velasco is a University Professor in the Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences at the University of Alcalá (UAH). He leads the research group focused on Motor and Visual System Neurophysiology, conducting interdisciplinary work that bridges ophthalmology, neurology, and physiology. His research interests focus on Visual Neurophysiology , particularly the application of multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) and visual evoked potentials (VEP) in clinical diagnostics. His work spans Retinal Diseases , Nervous System Disorders , Neuromuscular Physiology , and Ophthalmology , with special emphasis on glaucoma detection and multiple sclerosis assessment. Dr. Blanco Velasco's publication record shows consistent output from 2004 through 2024, with recent work focusing on advanced signal processing techniques for visual pathway assessment. His research demonstrates evolution from basic animal models to sophisticated clinical applications and diagnostic algorithms. His scientific contributions include: Development of novel diagnostic approaches for glaucoma using wavelet analysis of mfERG signals Application of visual evoked potentials in monitoring multiple sclerosis progression Creation of animal models for ocular hypertension research Investigation of retinal ganglion cell pathology in inherited retinal diseases Dr. Blanco Velasco has secured consistent research funding, with principal investigator roles in projects from 2004 through 2022. His work demonstrates strong collaboration across disciplines and institutions, particularly in neuro-ophthalmology research. His laboratory focuses on the Motor and Visual System Neurophysiology, providing a platform for both basic science investigations and clinical applications in visual pathway disorders.

• Lipid Metabolism
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Apolipoproteins
• +4 more

Robert O. Ryan serves as Professor of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology and Interim Chair of the Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Science at the University of Nevada, Reno. His research targets cardiovascular disease mechanisms through lipid metabolism studies, with therapeutic applications for dyslipidemias and metabolic disorders. His academic foundation includes: B.S. from University of Nevada (1977) Ph.D. from University of Nevada (1982) Ryan's laboratory investigates apolipoprotein functions in lipid transport, specializing in nanodisk technology for mitochondrial protection and metabolic therapy. Current projects address cardiolipin dysfunction in Barth syndrome, lutein-based retinal protection, and statin side-effect mitigation using engineered lipid carriers. His work bridges basic biochemistry and clinical applications for cardiovascular and rare metabolic diseases. Recent publications (2020-2024) reveal a strategic focus on nanodisk therapeutics, with 15+ papers demonstrating applications for mitochondrial disorders, cancer treatment side effects, and inherited metabolic conditions. This trajectory highlights a shift from fundamental mechanisms toward translational solutions. As an active mentor and department leader, Ryan secures research funding to support graduate training in lipid nanotechnology. His lab provides specialized expertise in nanodisk engineering and metabolic biomarker analysis, with strong potential for therapeutic development. The research group operates at the intersection of biochemistry and nanomedicine, developing lipid-based delivery platforms that address unmet needs in cardiovascular disease, pediatric metabolic disorders, and drug toxicity management.

Moyra McClureView profile

Lecturer

• Optometry
• Ophthalmology
• Low Vision Rehabilitation
• +2 more

Moyra McClure is a Lecturer at Ulster University's School of Biomedical Sciences, based at the Coleraine campus. Her academic work focuses on optometry and vision science, with specific expertise in low vision rehabilitation, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and clinical assessment methodologies. She investigates practical aspects of visual aid usage and the relationship between retinal pathology and visual function. Her research spans both clinical practice and educational methodology. Key areas include: Assessment and management strategies for low vision patients Impact of AMD lesion components on visual acuity Clinical training effectiveness for optometry students Utilization challenges of visual magnification devices Publications consistently demonstrate interprofessional collaboration, particularly with ophthalmology specialists. Recent works examine optometry education through hospital placements and clinical feedback systems. Her research contributes to vision rehabilitation practices and ophthalmic diagnostic approaches.

Tsutomu KumeView profile

Professor

• Cardiovascular Development
• Lymphangiogenesis
• Stem Cell Research
• +4 more

Professor Tsutomu Kume holds primary appointments in the Department of Medicine (Cardiology) with secondary appointments in Pharmacology and Ophthalmology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. His research spans cardiovascular development, stem cell biology, and lymphatic/angiogenic processes. Dr. Kume earned his PhD from the University of Tokyo in 1996. His research focuses on Foxc transcription factors in cardiovascular development and disease, with emphasis on (lymph)angiogenesis, retinal vascular disorders, and valvular pathologies. Key interests include molecular mechanisms of blood vessel growth, stem/progenitor cell regulation, and therapeutic targeting of vascular diseases. His recent publications reveal trends in transcription factor signaling (particularly FOXC1/FOXC2), hemodynamic force responses in valve disease, and organ-specific lymphatic functions . Work spans mouse models, molecular genetics, and translational applications for conditions like retinopathy and myxomatous valve degeneration. Scientific recognition includes: Fellow, American Heart Association (2001-Present) Dr. Kume actively mentors through collaborative projects (e.g., with PhD student Erin Lambers on cardiac cell regeneration) and serves on major editorial boards including Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology and Developmental Dynamics . He leads significant grant-funded work through Northwestern's Center for Genetic Medicine and Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics. He directs research within the Louis A. Simpson and Kimberly K. Querrey Biomedical Research Center and collaborates extensively with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and NUCATS. Current initiatives include gene therapy approaches for corneal clarity disorders and molecular investigations of venous valve disease.

Midhat H. AbdulredaView profile

Associate Professor

• Immunobiology
• Diabetes Research
• Islet Transplantation
• +3 more

Midhat H. Abdulreda is an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, with secondary appointments in Microbiology & Immunology and Ophthalmology. He is affiliated with the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), where he leads research on immunobiology of diabetes and islet transplantation. Education: PhD in Physiology and Biophysics (2007), MS in Immunology (2001), BS in Biological Sciences (1999), and BS in Animal Biology (1994). His research focuses on understanding immune responses in diabetes and islet transplantation using the "living window" model, enabling longitudinal in vivo studies. He investigates immune tolerance induction to ensure long-term islet survival without immunosuppression, contributing to a first-of-its-kind clinical trial for type 1 diabetes patients. Dr. Abdulreda has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and holds patents including "Induction of transplant immune tolerance using intraocular transplantation." Scientific Awards: National Research Service Award (NRSA) from NIH Career Development (K) Award from NIH Award of Academic Merit and Excellence (University of Miami Graduate School) Medical Faculty Association (MFA) Best Research Award He collaborates with the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (BPEI) and serves as a reviewer for journals such as PLOS ONE and Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.

Seppo MeriView profile

Researcher

• Biomedical Sciences
• Complement System
• Immunology
• +4 more

Seppo Meri is a Research Director at the Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, University of Helsinki, and a supervisor in the Doctoral Programmes in Biomedicine, Clinical Research, and Population Health. His research focuses on the complement system, immunology, nephrology, and infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on diseases like C3 glomerulopathy, malaria, and rheumatoid arthritis. He has led major projects funded by the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation, Finnish Academy, and Magnus Ehrnrooth Foundation, including studies on complement dysregulation, vaccine development, and cancer progression. Projects: Juselius 2025-2028 (€73,000), Malaria Mechanisms (2025-2026), Magnus Ehrnrooth 2024-2026 (€20,000) His work explores the intersection of inflammation, complement activation, and disease mechanisms in conditions like Alzheimer’s, atherosclerosis, and post-transplant complications. Key trends include complement-targeted therapies and microbial immune evasion strategies. Scientific awards include the ECN Gold Medal (2019), Labquality Prize (2014), and membership in The Finnish Academy of Sciences (2009). He has supervised students such as Lokki, A.I. (2023-2024) and Kant, R. (2023-ongoing), while contributing to malaria control trials in Tanzania and complement research in rare diseases.