Senior Research Associate
Institute for Molecular Biology
B.S., University of Houston
Ph.D., Baylor College of Medicine
M.D., Baylor College of Medicine
Internship – Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine
Residency – Ophthalmology, University of Illinois, Chicago
Fellowship – Medical Retina, Uveitis, and Ophthalmic Genetics, Oregon Health Sciences University
Fellowship – Vitreoretinal Surgery, Oregon Health Sciences University
Office: 234 Klamath Hall
Telephone: (541) 346-2532
Email:
Research Interests
Both non-modifiable (e.g., genetic) and modifiable (e.g., environmental) exposures contribute to the development of many common human diseases. We study such common complex traits that affect the eye using molecular genetic approaches, animal models, “omic” analyses, and biochemical studies.
A major interest is to understand how age-related macular degeneration (AMD) develops. AMD is a leading cause of blindness in older individuals throughout much of the world. We are using genome-wide association studies and deep-resequencing to discovery genetic variation and pathways contributing to development of AMD. These studies have identified common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variants (CNVs) and rare mutations in AMD subjects. The biological pathways identified to date include the alternative pathway of complement (a part of the innate immune system), lipid pathways (e.g., apolipoprotein E), and others.
Much of our current effort is focusing on understanding how the genetic risks change biological pathways and lead to AMD. These studies include quantitative genomic studies, proteomic and transcriptomic analyses of human samples, as well as collaborative biochemical analyses.
Publications
See Pubmed for a complete listing
297 Klamath Hall