جست‌وجوی استاد و پژوهشگر

• Tissue Fluid Homeostasis
• Lymphatic System Biology
• Vascular Biology
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Dr. Young-Kwon Hong is a Professor of Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, serving as Director of Translational and Basic Science Research for the Department of Surgery and affiliated with the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. His work centers on molecular controls of tissue fluid homeostasis across diseases including cancer, vascular malformations, and lymphedema. Education: Ph.D. in Microbiology, University of California, Davis Post-doctoral fellowship, Harvard Institute of Human Genetics His research spans lymphatic development, organ-on-chips technology, lymphedema therapy, ocular fluid dynamics, stem cell differentiation, and cancer metastasis. Key discoveries include retinoic acid's regenerative effects on lymphatic systems and PROX1's role in Schlemm's canal integrity for glaucoma. His work bridges molecular mechanisms with therapeutic applications through innovative models. Recent publications (2021-2023) emphasize lymphatic regeneration mechanisms, ocular fluid dynamics, and cancer-lymphatic interactions. Studies integrate molecular biology, advanced imaging, and organ-on-chip systems to translate basic findings into therapies for lymphedema and glaucoma, demonstrating strong translational momentum. Scientific Awards: Seungman Cha Young Scientist Award STOP CANCER Award Margaret E. Early Medical Research Foundation Young Investigator Award James H. Zumberge Innovation Research Award Concern Foundation Young Scientist Award American Heart Association Award The Wright Foundation Young Investigator Award DoD Breast Cancer Idea Award March Of Dime Birth Defect Foundation Scholar Award American Cancer Society Research Scholar Award Dr. Hong has mentored over 80 trainees spanning high school to junior faculty levels, fostering expertise in vascular biology and translational research. His laboratory employs cutting-edge techniques including organ-on-chip models, intravital imaging, and molecular profiling to investigate fluid homeostasis mechanisms. The Hong laboratory operates as a multidisciplinary hub integrating vascular biology, bioengineering, and clinical translation. Current initiatives focus on advancing retinoic acid therapy to clinical trials for lymphedema and developing novel glaucoma treatments targeting Schlemm's canal biology through mechanotransduction pathways.

Amir Vahabikashiمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

• Cell and Nucleus Mechanobiology
• Soft Bioelectronics
• Organoid/Tissue Scale Mechanobiology
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Amir Vahabikashi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering. His research focuses on the intersection of multiscale mechanobiology and soft bioelectronics, with applications in ocular and neuromuscular systems. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University (2016). His lab investigates cellular and nuclear mechanobiology, develops implantable bioelectronics for regenerative engineering, and explores mechanotransduction mechanisms in disease contexts. Key professional affiliations include the International Society for Eye Research (ISER), Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), and the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB). The Vahabikashi Lab emphasizes translational research to address health challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, such as bioelectronic interfaces for organoid disease modeling and regenerative therapies. Education: PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University (2016). Research interests include: Cell and nucleus mechanobiology Soft bioelectronics for organoid/tissue-scale studies Mechanotransduction in ocular/neuromuscular systems Implantable bioelectronics for regenerative medicine Recent lab milestones include welcoming its first members (PhD student Sadia and MS student David in 2023), presenting work at conferences like IEEE NEMS 2024, and developing targeted nanocarriers for glaucoma therapy.

• Molecular Genetics
• Human Genetic Disorders
• Monogenic Diseases
• +۱۹ مورد دیگر

Val Sheffield, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Iowa's Carver College of Medicine. He holds the Roy J. Carver Chair in Molecular Genetics and serves as Director of the Interdepartmental Research Program in Human Molecular Genetics. His work bridges clinical genetics and molecular research, with a focus on inherited eye diseases and systemic genetic disorders. BS in Zoology, Brigham Young University MS in Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University PhD in Developmental Biology, University of Chicago MD in Medicine, with Honors, University of Chicago Resident in Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco Fellow in Medical Genetics, University of California, San Francisco Dr. Sheffield's research centers on the molecular genetics of human diseases, particularly hereditary blindness, deafness, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, hydrocephalus, hypertension, obesity, and autism. His lab uses positional cloning, genome-wide mapping, and functional genomics to identify disease-causing genes. A major focus is developing gene therapies using CRISPR/Cas9 and iPS cells, especially for ocular and neurogenetic conditions. His team has made significant advances in understanding cilia-related disorders and mitochondrial dysfunction in metabolic diseases. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in gene therapy applications for inherited eye diseases, particularly glaucoma and Bardet-Biedl syndrome, as well as the role of the BBSome in mitochondrial and metabolic regulation. His work integrates molecular biology, genetics, and translational medicine, often using mouse models to validate therapeutic strategies. The research spans ophthalmology, neuroscience, and cardiovascular genetics, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach. Scientific recognition includes: Roy J. Carver Chair in Molecular Genetics Dr. Sheffield advises graduate students through multiple programs including Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Neuroscience, and the Medical Scientist Training Program. He leads a multidisciplinary research team and has secured funding for projects related to gene discovery and therapy. His laboratory collaborates widely across vision research, neurogenetics, and metabolic disease fields. He has contributed to major initiatives such as the Human and Rat Genome Projects and has helped establish consensus standards for ocular hypertension models. His lab is based in the Medical Education Research Facility (MERF) and is part of the Institute for Vision Research, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, and Cardiovascular Research Center, fostering a collaborative environment for translational research.

Tara Tovar-Vidalesمشاهده پروفایل

مدرس

• Visual Sciences
• Glaucoma
• Histology
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Tara Tovar-Vidales is an Instructor at the Center for Anatomical Sciences within the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms in glaucoma, particularly microRNA regulation in the optic nerve head and trabecular meshwork. MS in Cell Biology & Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center PhD in Cell Biology & Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center BS in Biology, University of The Incarnate Word Her work explores how dysregulated molecular pathways contribute to glaucomatous optic nerve head remodeling, emphasizing TGF-β signaling, microRNA expression, and extracellular matrix dynamics. Recent studies include investigations into procollagen C-proteinase enhancer 1 and its role in trabecular meshwork function. Publications highlight collaborations with researchers like Clark, A.F. and Wordinger, R.J., focusing on glaucoma models, growth factor effects, and cellular characterization. Current sponsored projects examine miRNA differences between populations and preclinical evaluations of glaucoma therapeutics. She employs molecular biology techniques, cell culture, microscopy, and histology in her studies. Her research may identify novel therapeutic targets for glaucoma treatment.

Dorette Ellisمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

• Glaucoma Treatment
• Retinal Ganglion Cell Protection
• Nitric Oxide Physiology
• +۴ مورد دیگر

Dorette Ellis, PhD is an Associate Professor in both the North Texas Eye Research Institute and the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the UNT System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center. Education: BS in Biology, Adelphi University PhD in Neuroscience, University of South Florida Research Interests: Dr. Ellis focuses on discovering novel therapeutic targets to protect retinal ganglion cells and prevent blindness caused by glaucoma. Her work integrates neuropharmacology, mitochondrial function, and cellular mechanisms underlying ocular diseases. Key areas include nitric oxide signaling pathways, trabecular meshwork biology, and glaucoma pathophysiology. Active Projects (2024): Targeting FMNL2/Rho-GTPase Pathway for IOP Regulation in Glaucoma (National Eye Institute-funded, PI) Collaborative project on FMNL2/Rho-GTPase pathways with Drs. Clark, Millar, and others Advising & Grants: Leads NIH-funded research on glaucoma mechanisms. Co-investigator on interdisciplinary projects involving formin proteins and Rho-GTPase signaling. Labs & Teams: Active in the North Texas Eye Research Institute, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in ophthalmology and pharmaceutical sciences.