David L. Epstein, MD, MMM
Chair, Department of Ophthalmology
Department / Division
Ophthalmology /
Ophthalmology-General
Address
DUMC 3802
Durham, NC 27710
Office Telephone
919-684-6611
Fax Telephone
919-681-6343
- MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Maryland), 1968
- Glaucoma, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 1973-1975
- Glaucoma, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 1975-1976
- MMM, Tulane University School of Public Health (Louisiana), 2001
Clinical Interests
Glaucoma consultation
Research Interests
My research is focused on developing novel specific treatments for glaucoma that are directed at the trabecular meshwork, the tissue that is known to be abnormal in glaucoma, causing increased resistance to outflow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye. Methods include modern cell biological and molecular techniques to study both the tissue and cells of the outflow pathway in vitro and in vivo. There is an emphasis on the influence of the cytoskeleton on aqueous humor outflow function. In addition, recent work of the laboratory has focused on gene expression during elevations of intraocular pressure or mechanical stretch, with the goal of identifying key homeostatic influences on aqueous humor outflow resistance that might lead to novel therapies for glaucoma. A current hypothesis is that proteasome dysfunction might be involved in the cellular aging that leads to glaucoma.
This physician (or a member of their immediate family) has a working relationship (i.e. consulting, research, and/or educational services) with the companies listed below. These relations have been reported to the health system leadership and, when appropriate, management plans are in place to address potential conflicts.
- Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Allergan, Inc.
- Glaukos Corporation
- HyperBranch Medical Technology
Representative Publications
Li G, Luna C, Navarro ID, Epstein DL, Huang W, Gonzalez P, Challa P. Resveratrol prevention of oxidative stress damage to lens epithelial cell cultures is mediated by forkhead box O activity. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011 Jun;52(7):4395-401.
(2011)
Abstract
Li G, Luna C, Qiu J, Epstein DL, Gonzalez P. Role of miR-204 in the regulation of apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress response, and inflammation in human trabecular meshwork cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011 May;52(6):2999-3007.
(2011)
Abstract
Luna C, Li G, Qiu J, Epstein DL, Gonzalez P. Cross-talk between miR-29 and transforming growth factor-betas in trabecular meshwork cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011 May;52(6):3567-72.
(2011)
Abstract
Luna C, Li G, Qiu J, Epstein DL, Gonzalez P. MicroRNA-24 regulates the processing of latent TGFβ1 during cyclic mechanical stress in human trabecular meshwork cells through direct targeting of FURIN. J Cell Physiol. 2011 May;226(5):1407-14.
(2011)
Abstract
Inoue T, Pattabiraman PP, Epstein DL, Vasantha Rao P. Effects of chemical inhibition of N-WASP, a critical regulator of actin polymerization on aqueous humor outflow through the conventional pathway. Exp Eye Res. 2010 Feb;90(2):360-7.
(2010)
Abstract
Inoue T, Pecen P, Maddala R, Skiba NP, Pattabiraman PP, Epstein DL, Rao PV. Characterization of cytoskeleton-enriched protein fraction of the trabecular meshwork and ciliary muscle cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2010 Dec;51(12):6461-71.
(2010)
Abstract
Khan TT, Li G, Navarro ID, Kastury RD, Zeil CJ, Semchyshyn TM, Moya FJ, Epstein DL, Gonzalez P, Challa P. LOXL1 expression in lens capsule tissue specimens from individuals with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and glaucoma. Mol Vis. 2010;16:2236-41.
(2010)
Abstract
Li G, Luna C, Qiu J, Epstein DL, Gonzalez P. Modulation of inflammatory markers by miR-146a during replicative senescence in trabecular meshwork cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2010 Jun;51(6):2976-85.
(2010)
Abstract
Li G, Luna C, Qiu J, Epstein DL, Gonzalez P. Targeting of integrin beta1 and kinesin 2alpha by microRNA 183. J Biol Chem. 2010 Feb 19;285(8):5461-71.
(2010)
Abstract
Lin Y, Epstein DL, Liton PB. Intralysosomal iron induces lysosomal membrane permeabilization and cathepsin D-mediated cell death in trabecular meshwork cells exposed to oxidative stress. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2010 Dec;51(12):6483-95.
(2010)
Abstract
Liton PB, Gonzalez P, Epstein DL. The role of proteolytic cellular systems in trabecular meshwork homeostasis. Exp Eye Res. 2009 Apr;88(4):724-8.
(2009)
Abstract
Liton PB, Li G, Luna C, Gonzalez P, Epstein DL. Cross-talk between TGF-beta1 and IL-6 in human trabecular meshwork cells. Mol Vis. 2009;15:326-334.
(2009)
Abstract
Liton PB, Lin Y, Gonzalez P, Epstein DL. Potential role of lysosomal dysfunction in the pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma. Autophagy. 2009 Jan 1;5(1):122-4.
(2009)
Abstract
Luna C, Li G, Liton PB, Qiu J, Epstein DL, Challa P, Gonzalez P. Resveratrol prevents the expression of glaucoma markers induced by chronic oxidative stress in trabecular meshwork cells. Food Chem Toxicol. 2009 Jan;47(1):198-204.
(2009)
Abstract
Liton PB, Lin Y, Luna C, Li G, Gonzalez P, Epstein DL. Cultured porcine trabecular meshwork cells display altered lysosomal function when subjected to chronic oxidative stress. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008 Sep;49(9):3961-9.
(2008)
Abstract
Rao VP, Epstein DL. Rho GTPase/Rho kinase inhibition as a novel target for the treatment of glaucoma. BioDrugs. 2007;21(3):167-77.
(2007)
Abstract
Liton PB, Luna C, Challa P, Epstein DL, Gonzalez P. Genome-wide expression profile of human trabecular meshwork cultured cells, nonglaucomatous and primary open angle glaucoma tissue. Mol Vis. 2006;12:774-90.
(2006)
Abstract
Liton PB, Liu X, Challa P, Epstein DL, Gonzalez P. Induction of TGF-beta1 in the trabecular meshwork under cyclic mechanical stress. J Cell Physiol. 2005 Dec;205(3):364-71.
(2005)
Abstract
Rao PV, Shimazaki A, Ichikawa M, Alvarado JA, Epstein DL. Effects of novel ethacrynic acid derivatives on human trabecular meshwork cell shape, actin cytoskeletal organization, and transcellular fluid flow. Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Dec;28(12):2189-96.
(2005)
Abstract
Caballero M, Liton PB, Challa P, Epstein DL, Gonzalez P. Effects of donor age on proteasome activity and senescence in trabecular meshwork cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004 Oct 22;323(3):1048-54.
(2004)
Abstract
Khurana RN, Deng PF, Epstein DL, Vasantha Rao P. The role of protein kinase C in modulation of aqueous humor outflow facility. Exp Eye Res. 2003 Jan;76(1):39-47.
(2003)
Abstract
Khurana RN, Maddala RL, Shimokawa H, Zigler JS, Epstein DL, Rao PV. Inhibition of Rho kinase induces αB-crystallin expression in lens epithelial cells. Biochem & Biophysical Res Comm 2002;294:981-987.
(2002)
Gonzalez P, Epstein DL, Borras T. Characterization of Gene Expression in Human Trabecular Meshwork Using Single-Pass Sequencing of 1060 Clones. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2000;41(12): 3678-3693.
(2001)
Rao PV, Deng PF, Kumar J, Epstein DL. Modulation of aqueous humor outflow facility by the Rho kinase-specific inhibitor Y-27632. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2001 Apr;42(5):1029-37.
(2001)
Abstract
Stamer WD, Peppel K, O'Donnell ME, Roberts BC, Wu F, Epstein DL. Expression of aquaporin-1 in human trabecular meshwork cells: role in resting cell volume. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2001 Jul;42(8):1803-11.
(2001)
Abstract
