Dr. Das focuses on understanding neurodegeneration mechanisms using human stem cell derived neurons in the area of optic neuropathies, particularly glaucoma. In particular, understanding mitochondrial quality control pathway in stem cell derived retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and associated abnormalities in the mutant cells. He uses CRISPR/Cas9 based gene-editing techniques to introduce mutation in the stem cells followed by differentiation to RGCs and other neurons for disease modeling and comparing mutational effects in different neurons.
In the study of glaucoma, the Das Lab has developed methods to make human optic nerve cells in a Petri dish, and discovered that cleaning up damaged mitochondria by lysosomes is essential for human optic nerve survival.
The lab is investigating medicines required to protect human optic nerve using patient derived cells.
Expertise:
- Ocular Neurobiology Research
