David L. Epstein, MD, MMM
Chair, Department of Ophthalmology
Department / Division
Ophthalmology /
Glaucoma Ophthalmology
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 faculty member (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
- GrayBug, LLC
- HyperBranch Medical Technology
- Retroject, Inc.
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. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2011;52:4395-4401.
(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. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2011;52:2999-3007.
(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. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2011;52:3567-3572.
(2011)
Abstract
Luna, C; Li, G; Qiu, J; Epstein, DL; Gonzalez, P. MicroRNA-24 regulates the processing of latent TGFß1 during cyclic mechanical stress in human trabecular meshwork cells through direct targeting of FURIN. Journal of Cellular Physiology. 2011;226:1407-1414.
(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. Experimental Eye Research. 2010;90:360-367.
(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. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2010;51:6461-6471.
(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. Molecular Vision. 2010;16:2236-2241.
(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. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2010;51:2976-2985.
(2010)
Abstract
Li, G; Luna, C; Qiu, J; Epstein, DL; Gonzalez, P. Targeting of integrin beta1 and kinesin 2alpha by microRNA 183. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2010;285:5461-5471.
(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. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2010;51:6483-6495.
(2010)
Abstract
Liton, PB; Gonzalez, P; Epstein, DL. The role of proteolytic cellular systems in trabecular meshwork homeostasis. Experimental Eye Research. 2009;88:724-728.
(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. Molecular Vision. 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;5:122-124.
(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 and Chemical Toxicology. 2009;47:198-204.
(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. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2008;49:3961-3969.
(2008)
Abstract
Rao, VP; Epstein, DL. Rho GTPase/Rho kinase inhibition as a novel target for the treatment of glaucoma. BioDrugs: clinical immunotherapeutics, biopharmaceuticals and gene therapy. 2007;21:167-177.
(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. Molecular Vision. 2006;12:774-790.
(2006)
Abstract
Liton, PB; Liu, X; Challa, P; Epstein, DL; Gonzalez, P. Induction of TGF-beta1 in the trabecular meshwork under cyclic mechanical stress. Journal of Cellular Physiology. 2005;205:364-371.
(2005)
Abstract
Rao, PV; Shimazaki, A; Ichikawa, M; Franse-Carman, L; Alvarado, JA; Epstein, DL. Effects of novel ethacrynic acid derivatives on human trabecular meshwork cell shape, actin cytoskeletal organization, and transcellular fluid flow. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2005;28:2189-2196.
(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. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 2004;323:1048-1054.
(2004)
Abstract
Khurana, RN; Deng, PF; Epstein, DL; Vasantha Rao, P. The role of protein kinase C in modulation of aqueous humor outflow facility. Experimental Eye Research. 2003;76:39-47.
(2003)
Abstract
Rao, PV; Deng, PF; Kumar, J; Epstein, DL. Modulation of aqueous humor outflow facility by the Rho kinase-specific inhibitor Y-27632. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2001;42:1029-1037.
(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. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2001;42:1803-1811.
(2001)
Abstract
