Colin Barnstable

Colin Barnstable is a Professor at Penn State University, holding joint appointments in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. His research focuses on retinal degeneration, neuronal survival mechanisms, and neuroprotective strategies. He leads multiple NIH-funded projects investigating epigenetic modifiers, mitochondrial uncoupling proteins, and retinal ganglion cell death. His work contributes to Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being (SDG 3).

Research Interests:
- Photoreceptor biology and neuroprotection
- Molecular mechanisms of retinal degeneration (e.g., retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma)
- Neuroprotective roles of PEDF (Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor)
- Cell death pathways in hippocampal neurons and retinal ganglion cells

Recent research emphasizes translational applications like PEDF-based therapies for diabetic eye disease and electromagnetic field modulation of microtubule dynamics. His 2025 work explores ELF-EMF effects on neuronal structures, while 2024 studies address dry eye treatment and epilepsy transcriptomics.

• Scientific Awards: 2017 Career Citation Milestone Award (top 1,000 cited researchers)
• Grants: $5M+ in NIH funding since 2002, including projects on epigenetic therapies for retinal degeneration and mitochondrial neuroprotection
• Labs/Teams: Leads a multidisciplinary lab integrating molecular biology, microscopy, and clinical translation