Dr. Fingert gave a lecture entitled “Stem Cell and transgenic mouse-based studies of normal tension glaucoma” at the ISER biannual meeting. He presented new advances in studies of the TBK1 gene and glaucoma that occurs at low intraocular pressure using cell cultures and a mouse model of disease.

Wach Buddy Lazier video here.

The University of Iowa Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research announced that Lazier Partners Racing and supporters have partnered to raise awareness for the institute’s research by providing the lead sponsorship of an Indianapolis 500 race car. Read more here.

Ralph Hazlewood, a graduate student in the Glaucoma Genetics Lab, presented his research into the genetic basis of cavitary optic disc anomaly (CODA) at the University of Iowa’s 2014 Opthalmology Research Day. CODA is a disease of the optic nerve and has some clinical similarities to normal tension glaucoma. His presentation, entitled "Triplication of Upstream Regulatory Sequences Leads to Gene Dysregulation in Patients with Cavitary Optic Disc Anomaly” was awarded the 2014 Leinfelder Award for research excellence.

Dr. Fingert presented glaucoma and genetics research in two symposia at the 2014 World Ophthalmology Congress in Tokyo, Japan. He presented recent data about the TBK1 gene, abnormalities in autophagy, and the development of glaucoma. He also presented a review of epigenetics and eye disease (how modification of our chromosomes may lead to increased susceptibility to disease).