Research Areas:
Our unique
research group aims to study physiological and pathological processes in the
eye, and to establish new approaches for treatment of ocular pathologies. We
focus on ocular pathologies involving bleeding, impairment of blood retina
barriers and growth of pathological blood vessels. The laboratory composes of a
few study groups that focus on different compartments of the eye; e.g. retina,
cornea, optic nerve etc.
Aiming
to study choroidal neovascularization (CNV), we established a modification of
the common method of CNV induction in animal models. Using an animal-based models, we are trying
to expand our knowledge of CNV etiology and find a new therapeutic approach. We
found a tight and reciprocal interactions between coagulation and inflammation.
We have recently found that intraocular injection of coagulation inhibitor
Activated Protein C (APC) significantly inhibited CNV formation and holds
therapeutic potential. We demonstrated for the first time the existence of
NETosis in cytokine-induced ocular inflammation in a mouse model and human
samples. Using chemical burn-induced neovascularization in a rat or
rabbit models we established an effective treatment for
corneal neovascularization that warrants further study for potential use in
humans. The neuro-ophthalmology section of our lab focuses on neuroimmunology,
demyelinating disease progression, and basic research using murine model of
experimental encephalomyelitis.
We
are studying the involvement of the innate immune system and inflammatory cytokine
in the modulation of acute and chronic uveitis. Currently we are establishing
the model of Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis in mice (EAU), and research new
therapeutic modalities in this model.