BME Seminar Series: Dr. Shigeo Tamiya, The Ohio State University

Shigeo Tamiya, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
The Ohio State University

Abstract: 

"Prevention of retinal scarring – collaboration with biomedical engineers"

Retinal scarring results in loss of visual acuity and, in severe cases, blindness. Currently, there are no clinically approve drug to prevent such scarring. The seminar will summarize past and ongoing research by Dr. Tamiya and his bioengineering collaborators to understand the molecular/cellular mechanisms involved and to identify potential therapeutic agents.

Bio: 

Shigeo Tamiya is an Associate Professor at the Dept. of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Ohio State University. His ultimate research goal is to eliminate burden caused by ocular fibrosis, and current focus is on the prevention of fibrotic complications affecting the retina. He has published a series of articles identifying key cellular/molecular mechanisms involved in retinal fibrosis utilizing data obtained from in vitro primary cultures, as well as by testing potential therapeutic agents on large animal models of retinal fibrosis.

Dr. Tamiya has received multiples federal grants – two past grants from the Department of Defense examining the effect as well as delivery method of a clinically approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor for the prevention of retinal fibrosis, and current research examining the role of mechanosignaling in retinal fibrosis is being supported by a NIH R01 grant. He recognizes collaborations are essential to research, and has had successful past and current collaboration with scientists, clinicians, as well as bioengineers.