Edward M. Barnett, M.D., Ph.D.

DEPARTMENT OF Ophthalmology & Visual Science
Keywords: apoptosis, glaucoma, retina, ganglion cells

My research is currently focused on factors which contribute to retinal ganglion cell degeneration in an in vitro cell culture model. Using recently developed culture techniques we are able to culture retinal neurons from adult mice as well as from adult human eyes. The culture of human retinal neurons is advantageous in that it enables an easier extrapolation of our results to human diseases such as glaucoma. Retina neuronal subtypes such as retinal ganglion cells are identified using immunocytochemistry for cell markers. Once in culture, these cells are exposed to conditions which are known to induce apoptosis such as ischemia, increased pressure, excitotoxicity, and antibody to heat shock protein. In particular we are interested in the changes in the expression and function of mechano-sensitive background K+ channels under these conditions. These channels may be a potential target for modulating the apoptotic response in retinal ganglion cells.

Projects are currently funded by a Horncrest Foundation Physician-Scientist Award, a Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award, an American Glaucoma Society Novartis Ophthalmics Research Fellowship in Glaucoma, and a Pharmacia Glaucoma Fellows Research Grant.