The Geisert Lab works on injury to the eye - specifically understanding how glaucoma affects the retinal ganglion cells. Researchers are also are examining the ability of the eye to regrow connections to the brain. Recent advances have shown that axons from the retina can regrow to the brain. We are looking at ways to increase this regeneration and enhance recovery.
The approach of the Geisert Lab
The Emory Eye Center Research Division has a highly interactive group working on the underlying causes of glaucoma. Currently the Geisert Lab is using this systems biology approach to identify genes facilitating optic nerve regeneration and genes responsible for steroid induced glaucoma.
The Geisert Lab studies the response of the retina to injury using state-of-the-art molecular biology and genomics. Together, these define genetic networks in mouse retina that regulate the response of the retina to injury. Researchers take a systems approach to the biology using the resources available on GeneNetwork to investigate the molecular basis of phenotypic risk factors for glaucoma: intraocular pressure (IOP) susceptibility of ganglion cells to death; and central corneal thickness (CCT).
The power of this approach is demonstrated by recent publications from the Geisert group. Our researchers identified Cadherin 11 as a gene modulating IOP in the mouse. We further demonstrated that Cadherin 11 is highly expressed in the trabecular meshwork and the canal of Schlemm. The relevance of this finding in the mouse was demonstrated by recent Genome Wide Association Study that confirmed Cadherin 11 as regulating IOP in human populations.
Our research team has also identified Aldh7a1 as a gene modulating the risk of ganglion cell death due to elevated IOP. This mitochondrial metabolic pathway involves the production of acetyl coA and eventually the production of NAD.
Another risk factor for glaucoma is CCT. Our researchers identified POU62 as a transcription factor that is a genetic link between CCT and glaucoma risk. These studies demonstrate the power of the systems biology approach and the tools presented on GeneNetwork.
Current Research
Based on our previous work identifying genes that regulate retinal cell death, we are currently modifying gene expression in the retina to promote ganglion cell survival. In a separate project we are modifying gene expression to promote the reconnection of the retina to the brain.