The听Retinal Research Group focuses on uncovering the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive retinal diseases, with a primary emphasis on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy and proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Our research explores how mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic stress, and inflammatory and fibrotic pathways contribute to retinal degeneration and vision loss.
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We combine state-of-the-art technologies, including metabolomics, transcriptomics, and advanced retinal imaging, with in vitro disease modelling and in vivo preclinical studies to understand disease mechanisms at a systems level. Our goal is to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets that can transform how we detect, monitor, and treat retinal diseases.
Our team works at the interface of basic science, clinical translation, and bioengineering, collaborating with chemists and materials scientists to develop innovative drug delivery systems, such as nanoparticles administered via eye drops, injections, or oral formulations. These interdisciplinary partnerships aim to accelerate the discovery of effective pharmacological interventions for AMD and related retinal conditions.
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Research goals
- To investigate how mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunction contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD.
- To define transcriptomic and metabolomic signatures in AMD to inform precision diagnostics and therapeutic targeting.
- To develop and test new anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic treatments in preclinical models of retinal disease.
- To pioneer novel ocular drug delivery strategies using nanotechnology.
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Core expertise and methodologies
- Metabolomics and transcriptomics
- Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and vascular endothelial cell biology
- Hypoxia and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) assays
- Nanoparticle synthesis and characterisation
- Animal models of AMD and retinal fibrosis
- Confocal, live-cell and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy
- ELISA, qPCR, Western blotting, Seahorse metabolic flux analysis
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Current opportunities
We welcome expressions of interest from prospective postdocs, PhD, MPhil, and Honours students who are passionate about vision science and biomedical research. Please contact Dr Daisy Shu (daisy.shu@unsw.edu.au) to learn more about current projects and available positions.
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Our researchers
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