Nicholas Brecha

Nicholas C Brecha is a Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His research focuses on retinal signaling mechanisms, particularly neurotransmitter dynamics involving GABA, dopamine, and somatostatin, with emphasis on horizontal cell feedback to photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cell physiology.

• Key research themes include synaptic modulation via calcium channels
• Investigation of neurodegenerative processes in retinal diseases
• Development of biomarkers for ocular pathologies

Recent publications highlight work on intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), PTEN regulation of retinal gap junctions, and BKCa channel dynamics in horizontal cells. His laboratory employs transgenic mouse models (e.g., Thy1-CFP, TH-Cre) and multi-omics approaches to study retinal development and injury responses.

Scientific awards include the BLR&D Research Career Scientist Award (NIH IK6BX005230), reflecting his sustained contributions to biomedical research. Current NIH-funded projects investigate horizontal cell signaling (R01EY029869) and calcium regulation after nerve injury (I01BX000764).