Several DOVS researchers attended the International Society for Eye Research/BrightFocus Glaucoma Symposium in Atlanta, GA, October 23-26, 2019. The symposium focused on concepts and breakthroughs in glaucoma and brought together researchers from around the world. DOVS activities are noted below.
- Paul Kaufman, MD, Ernst H. Barany Professor of Ocular Pharmacology and department chair emeritus, delivered a keynote presentation entitled, “Modern Regulation of Conventional Aqueous Outflow.” Dr. Kaufman presented the poster, “Real-Time Optical Imaging of Schlemm’s Canal and Distal Outflow Structures in Live Monkeys: Responses to Pressure.”
- Robert Nickells, PhD, Frederick A. Davis Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Professor, is on the symposium planning committee. He presented, “Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration,” as part of the BrightFocus Glaucoma Fast Track Workshop, a one-day immersive environment focused on foundational knowledge and recent discoveries in glaucoma research. Dr. Nickells presented the poster, “BcIX Gene Therapy to Prevent RGC Degeneration After Optic Nerve Crush and in the DBA/2J Mouse Model of Glaucoma.”
- Donna Peters, PhD, professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, presented, “Activation of αvβ3 Integrin Affects TGF-β2 Signaling in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells.” Dr. Peters also served as a moderator for a keynote lecture.
- Gillian McLellan, BVMS, PhD, associate professor, presented, “Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker Therapy in a Chronic Glaucoma Model: Initial Findings.” Dr. McLellan presented the poster, “Exploring Molecular Mechanisms Linking Alzheimer’s Disease and Glaucoma.”
- Colleen McDowell, PhD, assistant professor, presented, “Rodent Models of Glaucoma” as part of the BrightFocus Glaucoma Fast Track Workshop. Dr. McDowell also presented three posters, “Transforming Growth Factor Beta-2 and Toll Like Receptor-4 Crosstalk in the Trabecular Meshwork”; “Modulating Intraocular and Intracranial Pressure in Ex-Vivo Human Eyes Using the Human Translaminar Autonomous System”; and “Exploring Molecular Mechanisms Linking Alzheimer’s Disease and Glaucoma.”
- Mrinalini Hoon, PhD, assistant professor, served as a moderator for a platform session.
- Kazuya Oikawa, DVM, graduate student, presented, “Regional and Temporal Complexity of Optic Nerve Head Neuroinflammation in Glaucoma and its Association with IOP.”
- Ryan Donahue, T32 Vision Research Trainee, presented a poster entitled, “BcIX Gene Therapy to Prevent RGS Degeneration After Optic Nerve Crush and in the DBA/2J Mouse Model of Glaucoma.”