Molecular and Cellular Characterization of Ocular Angiogenesis (Blindness)

John S. Penn
Vice-Chair and Professor of Ophthalmology
8000 MCE, North Tower
615-936-1485 (office)
615-936-1540 (fax)
john.penn@vanderbilt.edu

Dr. Penn explores methods of treating and preventing ocular angiogenesis, the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. Angiogenesis is the unregulated growth of new blood vessels from existing blood vessels. Blood vessel proliferation in the eye often leads to retinal detachment and hence blindness. Angiogenesis is a critical pathologic component of such conditions as retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, vein occlusion retinopathy, sickle cell retinopathy and others.

Using in vitro and in vivo models developed in his laboratory, Dr. Penn is characterizing the process of angiogenesis on the cellular and molecular levels. Through this activity his lab is identifying rational therapeutic targets. The Penn lab is at the leading edge of partnering with industry to develop novel antiangiogenic drugs for application to the eye.

For more information, please visit the lab website.