In laboratory studies, we focus upon the role of the RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation endproducts/AGEs) axis in the development of retinal complications and in the study of RAGE blockade as a therapeutic strategy.  The immunoglobulin superfamily receptor RAGE binds AGEs, classes of proinflammatory mediators (S100/calgranulins, HMGB1/amphoterin, and amyloid-beta), and the leukocyte counterreceptor Mac-1.  In collaborations with Dr. Ann Marie Schmidt and her laboratory, our published studies in the retina highlight several novel concepts in the role of glycation, the Muller cell, and RAGE in early diabetic retinopathy (2005) as well as later stages of proliferative retinal diseases (2006).  More recent studies indicate that RAGE activation on RPE cells can initiate RPE cell proliferation and upregulate release of VEGF, the major growth factor responsible for choroidal neovascularization (2007).  Lately we have been studying basic biological mechanisms of the receptor and its ligands to improve our understanding of the retinal-cell specific effects that we have uncovered. 

      I am an active clinical investigator in the Columbia Macular Genetics Study led by Dr. Rando Allikmets that contributed to the understanding of genetic predisposition to complement activation in this disorder.  More recent work, in collaboration with Dr. Ted Smith, is aimed at identifying environmental triggers for the development of specific phenotypes such as reticular macular disease.  In collaboration with the surgical retinal division led by Dr. Stanley Chang, we have investigated specific factors affecting clinical outcomes in vitrectomy surgery for diabetic retinopathy and PVR.  Most recently, we observed that eyes at risk for low pressure or hypotony may have a higher risk of this adverse outcome when the native lens or an implant placed at the time of cataract surgery remains in the eye after PVR surgery.  Previous published studies include the outcomes of an ineffectual investigational drug study for PVR, results that were not positive for FDA submission but which do provide data for the planning of future treatments, as well as the influence of relaxing retinotomy upon surgical outcomes in PVR. 

      The goals of these studies are to identify new therapeutic targets for these visually threatening retinal disorders, to develop and validate new treatment strategies, and to improve clinical outcomes with currently available interventions.

Laboratory contact: 
Wanchao Ma, MS, Senior Staff Associate.  (wm40@columbia.edu)

Clinical Coordinator:
Elona Gavazi, MD, Clinical Research Manager, eg2119@columbia.edu