Dr. Benetz is investigating the utility of automatic analysis via machine learning to provide consistent and accurate cell count assessment of donor corneal endothelial cell images. The intended impact is to create safer procedures for successful corneal transplants. 

At center, Beth Ann Benetz, MA, CRA, and Eversight Vice President of Research & Development Onkar Sawant, PharmB, PhD

Dr. Pereira da Costa is investigating the role of polyQ proteins in the eye to understand how the polyQ expansion affects the role of the native protein. The overall impact of this study is to establish the foundations for future studies to define the roles of polyQ proteins in the human eye and elucidate how these roles are impacted by the polyQ expansion in Spinocerebellar ataxia disease. 

Eversight Partner Relations Director Ebony Johnson, Maria do Carmo Pereira do Costa, PhD and Eversight Philanthropy Director, Foundations & Corporations Becky Harris

Dr. Guaiquil is investigating the neurogenic potential of Netrin-4, a protein implicated in diabetic retinopathy and corneal hemangiogenesis, by using both in vitro and in vivo assays. This study will investigate the potency of Netrin-4 to induce neuronal growth, elongation and branching, and will determine the optimal route of administration for its therapeutic uses in corneal wound healing.

Eversight Partner Relations Director Kara Kelly and Victor Guaiquil, PhD

Dr. Mohammad is investigating the link between epigenetics, oxidative stress and inflammation in the delayed epithelial wound healing in diabetic corneas. The outcome of this project is to enhance the overall understanding of the mechanisms underlying delayed epithelial wound healing in diabetic corneas.

Eversight Partner Relations Director Ebony Johnson and Ghulam Mohammad, PhD