Research

The research at the LAE is funded by the German Research Council (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) through the Research Unit (Forschergruppe) FOR 1075 “Regulation and pathology of homeostatic systems for visual function”.

The research at the Laboratory for Human Anatomy and Embryology (LAE) focuses on the molecular characterization of homeostatic systems in the mammalian eye, which are critically required for survival of retinal neurons and for visual function. Primary research interests include the regulatory processes of aqueous humor circulation, intraocular pressure maintenance, neuronal survival in the retina, and ocular angiogenesis.

        
Molecular control mechanisms of the processes are studied in the normal eye, during embryonic development and under pathological conditions such as primary open-angle glaucoma, retinopathy of prematurity, or retinal degeneration.
          
The primary methodological approach is the generation of genetically modified animal models and the subsequent characterization of their phenotype. In addition, cell biological aspects are investigated by studying gene expression and its control in cell culture models and/or by generating recombinant proteins.
            
The Tamm Laboratory moved 2004 from the Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg to the University of Regensburg. Teaching responsibilities of the LAE include the organization of the lectures and practical classes in gross anatomy for students of medicine and dentistry at the University of Regensburg. In addition, the LAE organizes the module Molecular Human Biology for master students in Biology, as well as internships and practical classes in cell biology and neurobiology for students of biology, biochemistry, and neurosciences at the University of Regensburg. Moreover, we supervise master theses. Workshops covering specific aspects of gross anatomy are organized for physicians and physiotherapists

Projects:                       

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is one of the most frequent causes of blindness worldwide. The project studies the molecular function of genes that have been identi- fied to cause inherited forms of POAG using cell culture systems, anterior segment organ culture perfusion, and by the generation of transgenic animal models.

Principal Investigator: Ernst Tamm
Grant Support: Research Unit (Forschergruppe) FOR 1075 “Regulation and pathology of homeostatic systems for visual function”, TP5           

The Functional Role of Norrin       
Norrin, a secreted polypeptide, is the gene product of the NDP-Gene that is modified in Norrie disease. Previous data indicate a role in angiogenesis during fetal develop- ment of the retina. The project studies the molecular function of norrin using cell culture systems, anterior segment organ culture perfusion, and by the generation of transgenic animal models.  

Principal Investigators: Andreas Ohlmann
Grant Support: Research Unit (Forschergruppe) FOR 1075 “Regulation and pathology of homeostatic systems for visual function”, TP7, and Pro Retina , Germany           

Regulation of extracellular Matrix

Aqueous humor outflow in the trabecular meshwork (TM) is under the influence of TM extracellular matrix turnover and cell contractility. The project studies the molecular function of the growth factors CTGF, TGF-beta, and BMP-7 for TM cell function using cell culture systems, anterior segment organ culture perfusion, and by the generation of transgenic animal models.   

Principal Investigator: Rudolf Fuchshofer
Grant Support: BrightFocusFoundation and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)