Frank W. Rozsa, Ph.D.
Research Projects

Molecular genetics of glaucoma

Dr. Frank Rozsa is utilizing microarray technology to examine the expression of thousands of genes in cultured human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. Because these cells are responsible for the outflow of aqueous in the eye, changes in gene expression that can alter the ability of this tissue to mediate outflow need to be examined. Microarrays are a powerful tool that gives the investigator the ability to scan thousands of genes for changes in expression, especially when used in conjunction with techniques such as real-time PCR to validate the findings. Dr. Rozsa uses the microarray to study gene expression changes in myocilin (a known glaucoma gene). He is comparing changes in normal HTM cells treated with glucocorticoids that increase the expression of myocilin to age-and sex-matched glaucomatous HTM in order to map the biochemical pathway for myocilin. He will also explore changes in gene expression in normal tissue treated with inhibitors of protein synthesis, elevated glucose, and an anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac. A better understanding of changes in gene expression between glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous HTM will provide clues about the underlying causes of glaucoma and may lead to possible new treatments of the disease.