Jeff Mumm

Jeff Mumm is the Helen Larson & Charles Glenn Grover Associate Professor in Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He leads a research laboratory focused on neural circuit formation, function, and regeneration, particularly in the context of vision and retinal disease. His work bridges developmental neuroscience, cellular and molecular mechanisms, and translational regenerative medicine.

• Institution: Johns Hopkins University
• School: School of Medicine
• Department: Department of Ophthalmology
• Email: jmumm3@jhmi.edu
• Lab: Mumm Lab (Wilmer Eye Institute)

Dr. Mumm's research centers on understanding how neural circuits are formed and regenerated, using zebrafish as a model system due to its robust regenerative capacity. His lab investigates the roles of Müller glia and microglia in retinal regeneration, employing advanced techniques such as in vivo time-lapse confocal imaging, cell-specific ablation, and high-throughput chemical and genetic screening. These approaches allow real-time observation of neuronal and glial dynamics during development and repair.

The recent publications and lab updates reflect a strong emphasis on immune and glial regulation of regeneration, fate-biased regenerative paradigms, neural function linked to behavior, and large-scale phenotypic screening. The lab's work has implications for treating neurodegenerative eye diseases by awakening dormant regenerative pathways in humans. Themes across recent outputs include retinal ganglion cell (RGC) regeneration, neuroimmune interactions, stem cell activation, and translational applications of zebrafish research.

Scientific awards and recognitions include:

• NRSA fellowship awarded to trainee Anneliese
• Travel awards for Huanhuan and Anneliese to present at the Ocular Regeneration conference
• Multiple presentation awards at national and international conferences (IZFC, MARZ, ABRCMS)
• Publications in high-impact journals such as Development

Dr. Mumm is actively mentoring a cohort of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, including Kevin, Anneliese, Jason, Abby, Stefano, Zee, Darren, Nimisha, and Huanhuan. Several of his trainees have successfully defended theses, published their work, and advanced to PhD programs at institutions like the University of Chicago and UIC. His lab is involved in major research initiatives such as drug screening platforms and disease modeling. The Mumm Lab is also deeply integrated into graduate training programs including the Neuroscience Training Program, Visual Neuroscience Training Program, Human Genetics, and Cellular and Molecular Medicine at Johns Hopkins.

The lab maintains a strong presence at international conferences such as the International Society for Eye Research (ISER), where both Dr. Mumm and his trainees regularly present findings. Collaborative efforts extend to mouse studies and nanoparticle-based drug delivery to microglia, highlighting the translational trajectory of the research.