The eye presents many challenges for research regarding unsolved conditions such as retinal and optic nerve assaults, damage to eye by surrounding conditions of work and every day activity.

The following specific subjects are studied:

• Optic nerve research: creating models of trauma and disease to investigate the mechanisms of degeneration and regeneration
• Investigate ways to treat corneal injury and diseases
• Ultraviolet light damage to the eye
• Research on the neovascular process in the eye and search ways to prevent it
• Occupational and environmental factors affecting eye and vision

Grants

Main projects in the lab include:

1. Presynaptic monoamine transportes and the vesicular monoamine transporter as targets for neuropsychiatric drugs.
2. Anxiolytic effects of new herbal treatment: mice models of anxiety and biochemical studies.
3. Quaternary serotonin-reuptake inhibitors as novel anti-platelet drugs.
4. Methylphenidate (Ritalin): abuse potential and long-term effects.
5. Neuronal rescue by Rasagiline (MAO-B inhibitor) in thiamine deficiency.

The lab is a new multi-disciplinary molecular and cellular neurobiology lab. The lab uses state-ofthe- art single molecule live imaging techniques on neuronal cultures, as well as biochemistry, cell biology and biophysics approaches on mouse model systems to study the role of axonal transport in neurodegenerative diseases, with an initial focus on ALS.

Neuronal survival and proper function depends on cell-cell communication mediated by ligandreceptor mechanisms. During neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), there is considerable synapse/neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disruption and neuronal cell death. It is non-autonomous processes involve interactions between the neurons to its diverse extracellular microenvironments. The molecular basis for this neuronal dysfunction and death is still poorly understood. One possible reason is alterations in the nature, directed movement and spatial localization of vital extra and intracellular signals.

The long-term research goal of the lab is to understand the vital molecular communications mechanisms between the neurons and its environment. More specifically, we seek to understand the role that retrograde signaling plays in (1) neuronal survival and (2) synapse stability. We believe that our research will generate novel insights into neurodegenerative mechanisms and ultimately, provide a molecular basis for new drugs as well as delivery methods to treat a range of neurodegenerative diseases.

Grants

Our research is characterized by a multi-level approach to the study of brain function, behavior, memory and drug discovery, from molecules to cures. Targeting autism, schizophrenia as well as Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegeneration and utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, our group investigates different aspects of neuronal plasticity and nerve cell protection, at the molecular, cellular and system level.

A major focus in the laboratory is on nerve structure and transport mechanisms. We have discovered novel families of proteins associated with cross talk among nerve cells and their support cells, including activity-dependent neurotrophic factor (ADNF) and activity-dependent neuroprotetive proteins (ADNPs, with ADNP being a major gene mutated in autism). Small ADNF and ADNP derivatives are in clinical development. The lead compound, davunetide is planned for an advanced Phase II clinical trial with the biotech industry.

Davunetide has previously shown efficacy in several Phase II clinical trials (i.e. in patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment, preceding Alzheimer’s disease and in schizophrenia patients, protecting activities of daily living).