View Annual Report - Jules Stein Eye Institute

Qingling huang, mD
Assistant Research Ophthalmologist
ReseaRch summaRy
Structure and Function
of Alpha-crystallin
Dr. Huang’s research is focused on understanding
the function and structure of alpha-crystallin. Alphacrystallin
is one of the major structure proteins of the
eye lens. This protein is a member of the small heatshock
proteins and is capable of protecting other
proteins from denaturation and aggregations. This
protein is extremely important because it is overexpressed
in many neurological diseases.
Joanna J. Kaylor, PhD
Assistant Research Ophthalmologist
ReseaRch summaRy
Characterization and Identification of
the Enzymes of the Cone Visual Cycle
Bright light vision is solely mediated by the cone
photoreceptor cells of the retina. Recent biochemical
evidence supports the existence of a new metabolic
pathway in the retina for the regeneration of cone opsin
visual pigment. Dr. Kaylor is using biochemistry and
molecular biology techniques to characterize and
identify the enzymes responsible. Her work has led to
the identification of the first vitamin A retinol isomerase,
dihydroceramide desaturase-1 (DES1). Understanding
the role of DES1 in vision is the current focus of
her research.
Jacky m.K. Kwong, PhD
Associate Research Ophthalmologist
ReseaRch summaRy
Degeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells
and Neuroprotection
Dr. Kwong’s research goal is to identify novel neuroprotective
therapies for glaucoma. To understand the
loss of retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma, his research
focuses on the response and the cell death pathway of
retinal ganglion cells in animal models related to optic
nerve injury and glaucoma. Dr. Kwong and his colleagues
recently found retinal ganglion cell-specific
proteins. He is utilizing these proteins to visualize retinal
ganglion cells and to investigate their function in retinal
ganglion cells during degeneration. He is also applying
pharmacologic techniques to evaluate therapies that
enhance endogenous neuroprotective responses
against glaucomatous, excitotoxic, and axonal damage
to nerve cells, and is utilizing multidisciplinary methods
to understand the protective mechanisms.
anna matynia, PhD
Assistant Research Ophthalmologist
ReseaRch summaRy
Neural and Molecular Basis
of Photoallodynia
Dr. Matynia is investigating the mechanisms of photoallodynia,
a condition in which normal levels of light
produce or enhance ocular or headache pain. Using
a combination of behavioral, molecular, and cellular
approaches in genetic mouse models, the goal is to
identify mechanisms of light-pain association for
different causes of photoallodynia, including corneal,
retinal, and central causes such as dry eye injury,
achromatopsia, and migraine respectively. The research
findings will form the basis of treatment strategies for
this condition.
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