1. Honours Research Projects on Cataract
Flinders Centre for Ophthalmology, Eye and Vision Research
Flinders University
Supervisor: Dr Shiwani Sharma
Phone:
Room: 4D336, FMC Building
Cataract
Cataract
is the main cause of blindness in the world
It is common in the elderly (late-onset), rarely it can also occur in babies and children (early-onset)
genetic defects can cause early-onset cataract; both genetic make-up and environment factors contribute to late-onset cataract
Project 1
we have found a genetic defect in a gene in a family with early-onset cataract
the aim of this project is to determine whether the genetic defect is responsible for causing cataract in this family
the project will involve studying the effect of the defective gene on its function in cultured cells using molecular and cell biology techniques and mammalian cell culture
Project 2
oxidative stress and exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight contribute to late-onset cataract
the aim of this project is to determine whether ultraviolet radiation influences the oxidative stress generating enzymes in the eye lens and whether blocking these enzymes can reduce or prevent cataract
the project will involve analysing the oxidative stress generating enzymes and the effect of blocking them on the eye lens exposed to ultraviolet radiation using molecular biology techniques and a mouse model of cataract induced by ultraviolet radiation

2. Honours Research Project on Glaucoma
Flinders Centre for Ophthalmology, Eye and Vision Research
Flinders University
Supervisor: Dr Shiwani Sharma
Phone:
Room: 4D336, FMC Building
Glaucoma
Glaucoma
is the main cause of irreversible blindness in the world
most often it occurs after the age 40 years
it is a complex genetic disease; multiple genetic factors and environmental factors contribute to the risk of glaucoma
Project
we have discovered several genes associated with the risk of glaucoma through genome-wide association studies in patients with blinding disease
the aim of this project is to determine how these genes increase the risk of glaucoma and whether they can be targeted for treating the disease
the project will involve studying the effect of manipulating these genes on cell death and survival using molecular and cell biology techniques and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived cells