Epigenetic regulation of autophagy by histone deacetylases in retinal pigment epithelium.
Sushil Dubey, PhD
Chandler Medical Center
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Dr. Dubey attended Madurai Kamaraj University in Madurai, India, where he received a Master in Science degree and later completed a fellowship and received his PhD from Aravind Medical Research Foundation, also in India. Dr. Dubey’s current focus is to attain experience in the emerging field of epigenetics, while supporting his interest in ocular biology. He is investigating the epigenetic regulation and transcriptional repression mediated through histone deacetylases in aging retina and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The groundwork for the proposed research was laid by identifying the altered expression of histone deacetylases in advanced dry AMD. Dr. Dubey’s preliminary data indicates the role of these altered regulators in autophagy in retinal pigment epithelium. He feels his background in the field of ocular genetics and epigenetics, coupled with vast experimental skills, will prove to be an asset for the present research project. The proposed project aims to open translational avenues to advance dry AMD therapeutics while exploring the role of this epigenetic phenomenon in the aging retina.