Eldon Geisert Jr
Overview
Eldon E. Geisert, PhD, joined Emory Eye Center's research section in January 2014. Most recently, he served as professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, as the Hamilton Eye Institute professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology and director of Research in Ophthalmology. He received his doctoral degree at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in neuroscience and his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of California, Irvine.
Areas of Research Interest
His primary research interests include defining the molecular mechanisms governing the response of the retina to injury and involves a novel molecule that selectively kills the most virulent form of brain cancer, glioblastoma.
Additionally, Geisert received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity to enable the study of eye injuries from improvised explosive devices. In an effort to understand these types of injuries, he hopes to develop ways to monitor their severity and treat the effects of the injuries. Geisert is developing new research strategies that he hopes will translate into treatments that may be used on the battlefield and later in the hospital.
Geisert is also defining genetic networks associated with the risk of developing glaucoma. Identifying the genetic differences that lead to glaucoma is the central research goal being addressed by a new $1.5 million grant awarded to him from the NEI. Geisert affirms that understanding the genetic causes of glaucoma will aid in early detection of individuals at risk for developing the disease, and it may lead to more effective treatments for this blinding disease.
Recent work on glaucoma is being supported by generous gifts from private donors and the Owen Family Fund for Glaucoma Research.
Academic Appointment
- Professor with Tenure, Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine
Education
Degrees
- BS, Biology from University of California / Irvine
- PhD, Neuroscience from University of Wisconsin
Research
Publications
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Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Protects Retinal Ganglion Cells and Reduces Inflammation in Mice Following Optic Nerve Crush.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel) Volume: 18
04/14/2025 Authors: Zhang N; Li Y; Zhang X; Chrenek MA; Wang J; Girardot PE; Sellers JT; Geisert EE; Nickerson JM; Boatright JH -
An improved method of transducing retinal ganglion cells using AAV via transpupillary injection in adult mouse eyes.
Mol Vis Volume: 31 Page(s): 1 - 9
01/01/2025 Authors: Lin F; Lin S-T; Wang J; Sellers JT; Chrenek MA; Nickerson JM; Boatright JH; Geisert EE -
Dnajc3 (HSP40) Enhances Axon Regeneration in the Mouse Optic Nerve.
bioRxiv
11/04/2024 Authors: Wang J; Li Y; Struebing FL; Jardines S; Lin S-T; Lin F; Geisert EE -
POU6F2, a risk factor for glaucoma, myopia and dyslexia, labels specific populations of retinal ganglion cells.
Sci Rep Volume: 14 Page(s): 10096
05/02/2024 Authors: Lin F; Li Y; Wang J; Jardines S; King R; Chrenek MA; Wiggs JL; Boatright JH; Geisert EE -
Optimizing retinal ganglion cell nuclear staining for automated cell counting.
Exp Eye Res Volume: 242 Page(s): 109881
05/01/2024 Authors: Lin F; Lin S-T; Wang J; Geisert EE -
Systemic Treatment with Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid (TUDCA) enhances retinal ganglion cell survival following optic nerve crush
Volume: 39 Page(s): A35 - A36
10/01/2023 Authors: Zhang N; Li Y; Zhang X; Chrenek MA; Wang J; Girardot PE; Sellers JT; Geisert EE; Nickerson JM; Boatright JH -
Oral supplementary nicotinamide riboside protects function in a model of inherited mouse glaucoma
Volume: 39 Page(s): A20 - A20
10/01/2023 Authors: Li Y; Zhang N; Zhang X; Chrenek MA; Wang J; Sellers JT; Charles B; Geisert E; Boatright JH -
Mouse strain differences in development of glucocorticoid-induced ocular hypertension
Volume: 64
06/01/2023 Authors: Patel PD; Patel G; Geisert EE; Millar JC; Clark AF -
A Tropomycin-Related Kinase B Receptor Activator for the Management of Ocular Blast-Induced Vision Loss.
J Neurotrauma Volume: 38 Page(s): 2896 - 2906
10/15/2021 Authors: Dhakal S; He L; Lyuboslavsky P; Sidhu C; Chrenek MA; Sellers JT; Boatright JH; Geisert EE; Setterholm NA; McDonald FE -
Systemic Treatment with Nicotinamide Riboside Is Protective in Two Mouse Models of Retinal Ganglion Cell Damage.
Pharmaceutics Volume: 13
06/16/2021 Authors: Zhang X; Zhang N; Chrenek MA; Girardot PE; Wang J; Sellers JT; Geisert EE; Brenner C; Nickerson JM; Boatright JH