Shu Lab – Retinal Research Group, UNSW SOVS

Overarching mission

The Shu Lab is dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and eradicating blindness caused by this condition. Employing a multidisciplinary approach encompassing cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and clinical imaging, our lab’s mission centres on understanding AMD’s pathogenesis. However, we don’t stop at comprehension; our ultimate aim is to develop novel drugs and identify fresh drug targets, ultimately striving for a cure. We believe in the transformative power of science to enhance lives and offer hope to those affected by AMD. Join us in our relentless pursuit of a brighter future, where blindness becomes a thing of the past.

We are looking for Honours, Masters and PhD students for these projects:

Project 2: Gene Expression Signatures in AMD
In this project, we delve into intricate world of transcriptomics, aiming to uncover the molecular secrets of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), specifically focusing on geographic atrophy and choroidal neovascularization. Through cutting-edge transcriptomics and proteomics approaches, we meticulously identify gene expression patterns that play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AMD. Exploring the crucial molecular pathways, including mitochondrial functions, metabolic pathways, and extracellular cellular matrix reorganization, will shed light on the complex interplay of these elements in AMD progression. This project not only enhances our understanding of AMD but also opens doors to potential therapeutic interventions by targeting these pathways. Join us as we decode the genetic underpinnings of AMD cytokines, working towards innovative solutions to combat this sight-threatening condition.

Project 3: Epigenetic reprogramming as a novel therapeutic strategy for targeting Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON)

Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is the most common inherited mitochondrial disorder leading to rapid and severe loss of central vision. This disease typically presents in late childhood and no cures are currently available. LHON is marked by a distinctive neurodegenerative process that affects the retinal ganglion cells, thereby severing the critical neural pathways that connect the eye to the brain. Epigenetic reprogramming has emerged as an innovative approach to the treatment of disease through its ability to reset and modify the epigenetic markers that govern gene expression, thereby offering potential to reverse disease-associated cellular changes and restore healthy function at a molecular level. This PhD project will investigate the use of epigenetic reprogramming as a tool to combat LHON and prevent degeneration of the retinal ganglion cells. This project will leverage established LHON patient biobanks at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA), established epigenetic reprogramming tools at Harvard Medical School and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal ganglion cells. The research will be conducted in the Retinal Research Group at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) led by Dr. Daisy Shu.

Auxiliary supervisors: A/Prof Bruce Ksander (Dept. of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School), A/Prof Raymond Wong (CERA), Prof. David Mackey (UWA/LEI), Prof Alex Hewitt (CERA)

Project 4: Investigating the metabolic and mitochondrial changes in age-related macular degeneration using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal cells

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly population. The molecular mechanisms driving AMD pathogenesis are yet to be fully elucidated. This PhD project is focused on characterising the metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunctions driving AMD pathogenesis. This collaborative project with the UNSW School of Optometry and Vision Science, Garvan Institute and UNSW Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering will leverage established AMD patient biobanks of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells and retinal endothelial cells. This project will use cutting-edge molecular biology techniques including examining the bioenergetic profiles of retinal cells, evaluating the role of oxidative stress and assessing mitochondrial ultrastructural morphology. Novel drugs that enhance mitochondrial function will be tested in iPS-RPE derived from AMD patients to restore normal function.

Auxillary supervisors: Nona Farbehi and Joseph Powell

Project 5: Bioengineering and optimising drug delivery mechanisms for retinal diseases

Retinal diseases such as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) are leading causes of vision impairment and blindness globally. The effective treatment of these conditions is hampered by challenges in drug delivery to the retina and the limited models available for disease mechanism studies. This project aims to address these challenges by innovating in two critical areas: the development of advanced drug delivery systems specifically designed for the retina, and the bioengineering of artificial retinal models for enhanced understanding and treatment of retinal diseases. In this project, you will develop and optimise nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for the retina: This part of the project will focus on designing nanoparticles that can efficiently deliver drugs to the back of the eye. The aim is to enhance the retention time of therapeutics in the ocular environment when administered as eye drops, thereby increasing their effectiveness in treating retinal conditions. The project will explore various nanoparticle formulations, surface modifications, and targeting mechanisms to achieve targeted delivery and sustained release of drugs in the retina. Furthermore, this project also involves bioengineering artificial retinal cellular models, including the development of Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) cells on a chip and the cultivation of 3D organoids of retinal cells. These models will serve as innovative platforms for studying the mechanisms of retinal diseases such as AMD and DR. By closely mimicking the human retinal environment, they will provide valuable insights into disease progression, facilitate the screening of potential therapeutics, and pave the way for personalized medicine approaches in treating retinal diseases.

To join our team, please email the lab leader, Dr. Daisy Shu for more details. We are currently looking for postdocs, PhD students, Honours students and undergraduate students to join the team.

Email: daisy.shu@unsw.edu.au