Mentorship

Maria Del Valle Estopinal, MD

Dr. Maria Del Valle Estopinal is Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine. Her primary objective of developing this research project at UCI is to increase the knowledge of the pathogenesis of benign and malignant tumors that involve the eye and the ocular adnexae. In order to start achieving this goal, she would like to apply the previous results of the molecular biology studies performed on tumors from other sites of the body that share similar histopathologic features with those primary of the ocular and periocular structures.

During her fellowship training at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, she analyzed the E-cadherin/B-catenin complex and associated interconnecting molecular pathways participating in primary carcinoma of the eyelid with histiocytoid features. The results demonstrated that this tumor is biologically similar to those arising from stomach and breast, among others.

Therefore, she would like to search for prior known-genetic mutations in primary tumors of the eye and ocular adnexae by performing cytogenetics and molecular studies (i.e immunohistochemical studies, FISH testing, PCR, whole-genome sequencing, etc.) in cases retrieved from the department of Pathology at UCI. In addition, analysis of the results will allow us to detect novel genetic mutations as well as an understanding of the tumor microenvironment and behavior in the ocular structures. Moreover, with improved understanding of altered biologic pathways, patients may ultimately benefit from targeted personalized therapy.

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Lilangi Ediriwickrema, MD

Dr. Lilangi Ediriwickrema is a board-certified ophthalmologist and who specializes in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery, neuro-ophthalmology and orbital disease. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania as both a Benjamin Franklin and Vagelos Scholar, and received her medical degree from Yale University. She completed an internship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Southern California, where she was chief resident. She completed fellowships at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute and UCSD Shiley Eye Institute.

Her research interests include inflammation of the orbit and periocular region, neuro-inflammatory disease, and neuro-dementia. She has presented research and given talks at national and international meetings such as the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the International Society for Ocular Cellular Biology Meeting, the North American Neuro-ophthalmological Society and the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She also has written numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. She is committed to both medical student and resident education.

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MariaCristina Kenney MD, PhD

Research Interests: Mitochondria genetics, Mitochondrial bioenergetics, Aging diseases, Age-related macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy, Mitochondria targeted therapies, Mitochondrial responses to cancer drugs. The Kenney lab uses molecular, genetic and biochemical studies to identify the role of mitochondria in the development and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, cancers and aging diseases. Some studies use sequencing and allelic discrimination to identify defects in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) associated with diseases. The laboratory also uses the transmitochondrial cybrid (cytoplasmic hybrid) model, where all cells have identical nuclei, but mitochondria from different individuals with various diseases. For example, studies show that cybrids containing AMD mitochondria have higher levels of apoptosis, autophagy and inflammation compared to the normal cybrids. These degenerative pathways can be blocked by treatment with different peptides, supplements, and drugs/medications. Currently, Dr. Kenney’s cybrid model allows us to identify important mitochondria-targeting drugs and peptides to treat age-related diseases

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Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk M.Sc.,Ph.D.

Research Interests: Neuronal senescence, Photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells degenerations, Regulation of transcription, Metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Work in DKS laboratory is focused on understanding the impact of natural aging on vision and on neurodegenerative eye conditions. They use molecular, biochemical and cellular methods to decipher what processes are affected in aging and how this knowledge can be brought to clinic. Using animal models, they described the role of senescence in glaucoma and provided genetic connection between mechanism of macular degeneration and polyunsaturated fatty acids metabolism. Her expertise in epigenomics, transcriptomics and lipidomics allows to study eye diseases in detail and provide a unique view on the mechanism. Part of the work of the lab is aimed at developing treatments with special interest in repurposing FDA approved drugs for potential use in eye clinic.

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Susan Taylor, Professor, Pharmacology

Our primary focus is to understand the structure, function and dynamics of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) using biochemical, biophysical and recombinant approaches. The catalytic (C) subunit was the first protein kinase structure to be solved and continues to serve as a prototype for all protein kinases, now recognized as one of the largest gene superfamilies. In parallel with crystallography, kinetics, fluorescence, H/D exchange, and small angle Xray/neutron scattering are used to define conformational changes, ligand binding sites, and sites of protein:protein interaction. Mentoring of Under Represented Students. I have always been very conscientious about recruiting and mentoring underrepresented students. As the PI on the Molecular Biophysics Training Grant, I have gone out of my way to make certain not only that we recruit underrepresented students but also that we mentor them well once they arrive.
In my own lab I often have undergraduates who come from underrepresented backgrounds and I have been very successful in placing these undergraduates in graduate programs or in professional schools upon completion of their degrees. I also have had undergraduate students who have obtained a MARCS (Minority Access to Research Careers) fellowship from the NIH which will allow them to work in a lab during the academic year and then during the summers.

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Marjan Farid, MD 

Dr. Marjan Farid is Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, Director of Cornea, Refractive & Cataract Surgery, Vice Chair of Ophthalmic Faculty at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from UCLA with a degree in Biology and earned her medical degree at UC San Diego. Her clinical practice is divided between patient care, teaching and research. Her research interests focus on corneal surgery, specifically the use of the femtosecond laser for corneal transplantation. She is also the founder of the Severe Ocular Surface Disease Center at UCI. She performs Limbal Stem Cell transplants as well as artificial corneal transplantation for the treatment of patients with severe ocular surface disease. Dr. Farid serves as a board member for SightLife Eye Bank. She serves as Chair of the Scientific programs committee of the EBAA (Eye Bank Association of America) and is an active member of the Corneal Clinic Committee of ASCRS (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery). Her work is published in numerous peer-reviewed journals. She has authored multiple textbook chapters and travels extensively to present her work at national and international meetings.

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