Publications

Stress, Allostatic Load, and Neuroinflammation: Implications for Racial and Socioeconomic Health Disparities in Glaucoma
International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Current glaucoma therapies target intraocular pressure with limited success in disease management, making neuroinflammation a target for future interventions. This review summarizes the neuroinflammatory pathways seen in glaucoma and their interplay with stress.

Advancing Glaucoma Care: Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosis, Management, and Progression Detection
Bioengineering

This review highlights the vast capabilities of artificial intelligence to transform glaucoma care, and summarizes key achievements, future prospects, and practical considerations to progress from bench to bedside.

A multi-cohort genome-wide association study in African ancestry individuals reveals risk loci for primary open-angle glaucoma
Cell

We conducted a comprehensive, multi-cohort GWAS in African ancestry individuals, and identified 46 risk loci associated with POAG. Likely causal variants were in ROCK1P1, ARHGEF12, and DBF4P2. Our polygenic risk score (PRS) model outperformed a larger PRS from a European ancestry cohort.

Paving the way while playing catch up: Mitochondrial genetics in African ancestry primary open-angle glaucoma
Frontiers in Ophthalmology

This perspective article discusses the currently known involvements of mitochondrial genetic factors in POAG and future prospects in mitochondrial genetic studies in individuals of African descent.

Factors Associated with Large Cup-to-Disc Ratio and Blindness in the Primary Open-Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) Study
Genes

Based on data from the Primary Open-Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) Study, this paper examines risk factors for blindness in individuals with a large cup-to-disc ratio. Significant risk factors for blindness included prior glaucoma surgery, high intraocular pressure, and poor visual field presentation.

Genetic Factors Implicated in the Investigation of Possible Connections between Alzheimer’s Disease and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Genes

This literature review highlights the shared molecular pathways of Alzheimer's disease and primary open-angle glaucoma, emphasizing the significance of both ancestral and genetic influences.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Optic Disc Gray Crescent in Primary Open-Angle African Ancestry Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) Study
BMJ Open Ophthalmology

This paper demonstrates the importance of assessing the optic disc grey crescent (GC) in primary open-angle glaucoma for individuals with African Ancestry, highlighting that GC is commonly observed in individuals who are younger, have higher African ancestry, and are diabetic.

Risk Factors for Structural and Functional Progression of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in an African Ancestry Cohort
BMJ Open Ophthalmology

This paper examines rates of both structural and functional progression in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in individuals with African ancestry. Results note that several factors contribute to the progression of POAG, including intraocular pressure, cup-to-disc ratio, and body mass index (BMI).

The potential for mitochondrial therapeutics in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma: a review
Frontiers in Physiology

This paper reviews the literature on mitochondrial involvement and therapeutics in POAG. There is evidence that mitochondria-targeted therapies, including physical exercise and dietary changes, can decrease POAG progression.

ANGPTL7, A Therapeutic Target for Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma
Communications Biology

This paper discusses a study that used advanced genetic analysis techniques to determine risk of glaucoma. Results indicate that ANGPTL7 plays a significant role in intraocular pressure, making it an important therapeutic target for treating glaucoma.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Optic Disc Tilt in The Primary Open-Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics Study
Ophthalmology Glaucoma

This paper investigates factors associated with optic disc tilt in Black glaucoma patients, including ocular features, like cup-to-disc ratio, and demographic features, like gender and age.

Recruitment Strategies and Lessons Learned from a Large Genetic Study of African Americans
PLOS Global Public Health

This paper provides an overview of recruitment strategies for the POAAGG study. The authors illustrate how genetic research studies with underrepresented populations may benefit from recruiting participants from a variety of sources, including clinics, biobanks, and community outreach programs.

Mitochondrial Transplantation to Rescue Retinal Ganglion Cell Function in Optic Neuropathies
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science

This paper investigates how mitochondrial transplantation may reduce the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) associated with glaucoma.

Quantitative Traits Associated with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in African Ancestry Individuals
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science

This paper discusses a genome-wide association study to understand primary open-angle glaucoma traits in individuals with African ancestry. Many traits, such as cup-to-disc ratio, intraocular pressure, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, showed significant associations with primary open-angle glaucoma.

Learning from Black/African American Participants: Applying the Integrated Behavioral Model to Assess Recruitment Strategies for A Glaucoma Genetic Study
Health Communication

This paper examines recruitment efforts and subject enrollment in the POAAGG study. Some of the biggest drivers for subject enrollment, according to subjects, were: improving health, benefiting others, and making a meaningful contribution the Black community.

Approach of an Academic Ophthalmology Department to Recovery During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Clinical Ophthalmology

Using lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper examines a recovery methodology for a university ophthalmology department. By adopting a multi-tiered appointment system, virtual platforms, and adhering to CDC guidelines, the department was successful in restoring patient volumes to pre-COVID levels.

Assessing the Efficacy Of 3D-Printed Ear Protectors on Mask Adherence at an Academic Ophthalmology Center
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology

This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of a low-cost, 3D-printed mask attachment for members of an ophthalmology department during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicate that the mask attachment reduced the frequency of mask removal, and participants were more likely to use masks during outdoor activities.

Evaluation of the Cirrus High-Definition OCT Normative Database Probability Codes in a Black American Population
Ophthalmology Glaucoma

This cross-sectional observational study evaluated differences in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness between healthy Black Americans and the Cirrus HD-OCT normative database. Results suggest that the existing Cirrus database may not be accurately evaluating glaucomatous nerves in patients of African descent.

Current Treatment of Conjunctival Malignancies
Springer International Publishing

This paper presents a review of recent advances in the treatment of conjunctival malignancies, and such advances include targeted therapies. In particular, genetic and molecular testing can be used to personalize treatment.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Optic Disc Tilt in the Primary Open-Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics Study
Ophthalmology Glaucoma

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of and factors associated with optic disc tilt in the eyes of African Americans with glaucoma.

Evaluating TNF-α and Interleukin-2 (IL-2) as Biomarkers for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in African Americans
Genes

This study evaluated two potential biomarkers for glaucoma in African ancestry individuals.

Single Cell Sequencing of Stem Cell Derived Retinal Ganglion Cells (iPSC-RGC) Reveals RGC Molecular Signature
Genes

In this study, researchers conducted single-cell sequencing on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, discovering distinct molecular signatures and RGC subtypes.

A Precise Method to Evaluate 360 Degree Measures of Optic Cup and Disc Morphology in an African American Cohort and its Genetic Applications Cohort
Genes

This paper evaluates a novel method to measure cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) at all 360 degrees of the optic nerve head. This method can be useful for capturing eccentric optic nerve head morphology, tracking glaucoma progression, and identifying genetic associations.

Benefits of Cohort Studies in a Consortia-Dominated Landscape
Frontiers in Genetics

This editorial argues that single-city cohort genetic studies have several unique advantages over large consortia, which have greatly risen in popularity in recent years.

LMX1B locus Associated with Low-Risk Baseline Glaucomatous Features in the POAAGG Study
Genes

This study investigates the association of the LMX1B locus with glaucoma in the POAAGG cohort, establishing whether mutations in this region are associated with specific phenotypic characteristics corresponding to severity and progression of disease.

Evaluation of the Cirrus HD-OCT Normative Database Probability Codes in an African American Population
Ophthalmology Glaucoma

This study showed that a RNFL normative database specific to African American patients may be more useful in detecting and monitoring glaucoma in this over-affected population.

The Role of Genetic Ancestry as a Risk Factor for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in African Americans
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science

This study quantitatively assessed the association of autosomal ancestry with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) risk in a large cohort of self-identified African Americans.

A Review of Studies of the Association of Vision-Related Quality of Life with Measures of Visual Function and Structure in Patients with Glaucoma in the United States
Ophthalmic Epidemiology

This study investigated the association of quality of life with ocular structure and function in glaucoma patients and identified which aspects of quality of life were most closely tied to visual field and visual acuity.

Evaluation of a Multimedia Marketing Campaign to Engage African American Patients in Glaucoma Screening
Preventive Medicine Reports

This study determined which messaging approaches from a marketing campaign were most effective in recruiting African American individuals to a glaucoma screening and research study.

Dual SMAD Inhibition and Wnt Inhibition Enhances the Differentiation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into Retinal Ganglion Cells (iPSC-RGCs)
Scientific Reports

This study developed a novel in vitro methodology to generate retinal ganglion cells from induced pluripotent stem cells.

Molecular Genetics and Functional Analysis Implicate CDKN2BAS1-CDKN2B Involvement in POAG Pathogenesis
Cells

This study investigated the role of the CDKN2BAS1-CDKN2B axis in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). CDKN2B-AS1 and CDKN2B are genes in the 9p21 locus that are widely associated with POAG, but their functional significance in disease pathogenesis remains unexplored.

Learning from Black/African American Participants: Applying the Integrated Behavioral Model to Assess Recruitment Strategies for a Glaucoma Genetic Study
Health Communications

This study analyzed interview transcripts from African American patients in a genetics study, finding that the decision to enroll was most influenced by a desire to learn more about personal health and to contribute to future care options for others.

Primary Open-Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) Study: Gender and Risk of POAG in African Americans
PLOS One

This study investigated the association between gender and primary open-angle glaucoma among African Americans and assessed demographic, systemic, and behavioral factors that contributed to differences between genders.

Mitochondrial Haplogroup L1c2 is Associated with Increased Disease Severity in African American Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Journal of Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology

This study evaluated the role that mitochondrial inheritance plays in primary open-angle glaucoma characteristics in African Americans.

Association Between Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Cognitive Impairment as Measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment
Neurodegenerative Diseases

This study examined the association between primary open-angle glaucoma and cognitive impairment in African Americans.

SNP Located in an AluJb Repeat Downstream of TMCO1, rs4657473, is Protective for POAG in African Americans
British Journal of Ophthalmology

This study determined the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms downstream from the TMCO1 gene with primary open-angle glaucoma in African Americans.

The Association of Mitochondrial DNA Haplogroups with POAG in African Americans
Experimental Eye Research

This study evaluated the significance of mitochondrial DNA haplogroups to primary open-angle glaucoma in African Americans.

Non-Physician Grader Reliability in Measuring Morphological Features of the Optic Nerve Head in Stereo Digital Images
Eye

This study introduced a new method of grading optic nerve disc photographs and evaluated reproducibility of assessments by non-physician graders in a reading center.

Family History in the Primary Open-Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics Study Cohort
American Journal of Ophthalmology

This study established positive family history as a risk factor for POAG diagnosis in African Americans.

A Collaborative Community Model for Including Minorities in Genetic Research
JAMA Ophthalmology

This editorial discussed the process of enrolling ethnic minority participants in genetic research, and more specifically in the POAAGG study.

The MT-CO1 V83I Polymorphism is a Risk Factor for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in African American Men
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science

This study showed that variants in the MT-CO1 gene increase risk of POAG in African American males. Additionally, the study defined a specific subset of patients at increased risk for severe disease.

Factors Associated with Participation by African Americans in a Study of the Genetics of Glaucoma
Ethnicity & Health

This study surveyed individuals that enrolled and did not enroll in the POAAGG study, seeking to identify which factors have the greatest influence on the decision to participate. The goal was to better understand how to increase representation of African Americans in research studies.

Cost and Yield Considerations When Expanding Recruitment for Genetic Studies: The Primary Open-Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics Study
BMC Medical Research Methodology

This study evaluated the cost and efficacy of four new recruitment methods implemented by the POAAGG study that were used to supplement clinic enrollment.

Characterizing the "POAGome": A Bioinformatics-Driven Approach to Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Progress in Retinal and Eye Research

This study explored the expanding collection of genes associated with POAG, referred to as the “POAGome.”

The SCHEIE Visual Field Grading System
Journal of Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology

This study introduced the SCHEIE (Systematic Classification of Humphrey visual fields-Easy Interpretation and Evaluation) grading system for glaucomatous visual fields. This system was created to convey qualitative and quantitative information about visual field defects in an objective, reproducible, and easily applicable manner for research purposes.

The Role of Ophthalmology Departments in Overcoming Health Care Disparities
Journal of Epidemiological Research

This editorial analyzed the age, gender, and socioeconomic measures of patients seen at University of Pennsylvania Health System, showing how ophthalmologists can play a unique role in identifying high-risk patients for other systemic diseases.

Risk Factors Associated with Progression to Blindness from Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in an African-American Population
Ophthalmic Epidemiology

This study determined the risk factors associated with progression to blindness from POAG in an African American population.

Association of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma with Mitochondrial Variants and Haplogroups Common in African Americans
Molecular Vision

This study identified specific mitochondrial haplogroups and variants that are potential risk factors for POAG in our African American population.

Saliva DNA Quality and Genotyping Efficiency in a Predominantly Elderly Population
BMC Medical Genomics

This study showed that DNA from saliva is an acceptable alternative to DNA from blood for large genetics studies. The study compared the yields, quality, and performance of DNAs from saliva and blood from a mostly elderly population.

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in Individuals of African Descent: A Review of Risk Factors
Journal of Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology

This study identified the major risk factors for primary open-angle glaucoma in individuals of African descent.

The Primary Open-Angle African-American Glaucoma Genetics Study: Baseline Demographics
Ophthalmology

This study described the baseline characteristics of the POAAGG study cohort, the largest African American population with POAG recruited at a single city to date.

Mitochondrial Sequence Variation in African-American Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients
PLOS One

This study illustrated the genetic diversity of our African American cohort by showing the number and depth of branches (ancestral “haplogroups”) of the population’s mitochondrial family tree.