Event Description

As a part of the CNS, the retina shares many of the architectural, cellular and connective features with the rest of the brain. Because of its accessibility, the retina is an excellent model that allows detailed molecular analysis and direct therapeutic interventions. The main focus of our research is the mechanism of cell signaling during eye development. By combining biochemistry and mouse genetics, we are studying the molecular mechanism of FGF signaling in the patterning and differentiation of neural retina, examining its intracellular targets and the cross talks with other signaling pathways. In adult retina, FGF was one of the first neurotropic factors found to promote the survival of photoreceptors. We are investigating the neuroprotective mechanism of FGF signaling, aiming to develop it as therapeutic agent to prevent retinal degeneration.

Hosted By

Dr. Mark Lewandoski, X5510, lewandom@mail.nih.gov. Please contact Dr. Lewandoski if you would like to meet with Dr. Zhang.

Sponsored By

Center for Cancer Research

Tags

• CCR