Interdisciplinary Research

The Lowy Medical Research Institute supports a world-class laboratory research program devoted to the study of macular telangiectasia type 2. This interdisciplinary research program includes both clinicians and scientists who study the eye, along with a team of geneticists with expertise in inherited eye disorders and statistical analyses.

The laboratory research program complements LMRI’s clinical research program, and there is substantial cross-talk between the groups. In fact, many of our laboratory scientists are themselves clinicians, or they partner at their home institute with a clinical researcher who also studies MacTel.

LMRI’s laboratory research encompasses the cell types known to be affected by MacTel: photoreceptors, Müller glia, blood vessels, and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. It also includes the study of cellular and tissue-specific abnormalities relevant to MacTel, including macular pigments and metabolic changes. The program also includes collaboration with experts in deep learning and machine learning who use computers to analyze large numbers of retinal images to identify and study MacTel.  LMRI has dedicated substantial resources to identifying the genetic basis for MacTel through its genetics program, which has led to important insights into factors that contribute to the disease.

One of the strengths of the Lowy Medical Research Institute is its ability to quickly respond to new discoveries.  LMRI continues to bring in new collaborators and move research in new directions based on insights derived from the research program.