Lin Gan, Ph.D.

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Degenerative eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), lead to blindness due to the permanent loss of nerve cells (neurons) in the eye's retina, and pose great public health risks. Since the degeneration of retinal neurons is an irreversible process, no cure is currently available. To understand what lead to the retinal neuronal death and to develop cures to these diseases, my research is focused on two major directions:

1. Stem cell regeneration and retinal development: One promising remedy for retinal degeneration diseases is to implant stem cells or retinal precursor cells in the retina to regenerate retinal neurons. Our studies in this area are focused in identifying genes and genetic processes essential for the generation of retinal neurons from stem cells. Studies in my laboratory have already identified many genes essential for the regulation of stem cell to retinal neuron transition. We will use these genes and processes as biomarkers to optimize the culture conditions that facilitate the transition of stem cells to retinal neurons. These studies will provide the foundation for retinal regeneration.

2. Retinal neuro-protection, gene therapy, and drug development: Though the death of neurons is the final, irreversible process of retinal degeneration diseases, retinal neurons are insulted or sick for extended periods of time before their death is triggered. Therefore, in addition to early diagnosis, it is critical to understand the early changes in retinal neurons that trigger cell death, and to develop treatments that could slow down or protect the retinal neurons from further damage and death. Using genetic and genomic approaches, my laboratory has identified several genes that are essential for the survival of retinal neurons and has demonstated that the function of these genes are affected early in animal models of retinal degeneration diseases. Currently, we are exploring the treatment of retinal degeneration in animal models using modified viruses to deliver these genes into retinal neurons. Additionally, we are screening for small molecules (drugs) that can regulate these genes and treat retinal degeneration.

Current Appointments

• Professor - Department of Ophthalmology (SMD)
• Professor - Department of Center for Visual Science (RC)
• Professor - Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy (SMD)