Team Leader
Dylan Pham, PhD
Texas A&M University
Medical Physiology
phamdarch@tamu.edu
Project Type
Research
Who Can Join
Undergraduate Students
Project Description
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in working class adults in the United States. It has two major stages: the early non-proliferative DR and the later stage proliferative-DR. Current therapies only target pathological angiogenesis or uncontrolled blood vessel growth in the back of the eye during the later stage. Unfortunately, these therapies are not effective in a large percentage of patients and the repeated injections into the eye can cause unwanted side effects. This project aims to study the pathology of the early stage of DR to develop therapies to prevent the progression to proliferative DR. Diabetic patients have been shown to have neural degeneration and vascular dysfunction prior to any symptoms of DR. However, the mechanisms behind these pathologies are unclear and whether one affects the other is unknown. This project aims to answer those questions.
Those with an interest in vision, neuroscience, or cardiovascular health should apply.
Team Needs
We are looking for dedicated individuals with enthusiasm for vision research. Previous lab experience is not needed but the willingness to learn will be valued.
Those interested in any of the following should consider applying:
1. Cellular and molecular research involving cell culture, proteins, and/or RNA signaling.
2. Bioinformatic data to study gene signaling pathways involved. Anyone who can work with big data and familiar with gene signaling is preferred.
3. Research in vision
4. Research in vascular systems
5. Research in neural science
6. Interest in data analysis
7. Interest in working with animal models.
Special Opportunities
Participating in this project will provide an opportunity to learn and study the eye and vision for those interested in ophthalmology.
Further, the opportunity to present their work in poster or oral formats at local research symposiums.
Mentoring to achieve career goals through research or science.
Exposure to other research projects in the lab including studying the effects of aging or spaceflight on vision.