Research Focus
The Telias Lab investigates how retinal circuits break down—and how they can be repaired—in degenerative diseases that lead to blindness. Our work centers on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive pathophysiological remodeling of the inner retina during and after photoreceptor loss, with a particular emphasis on aberrant retinoic acid signaling and activation of downstream effectors. These pathways trigger retinal ganglion cell hyperactivity, distort visual processing, and ultimately limit the effectiveness of emerging vision‑restoration therapies.
We combine electrophysiology, two‑photon imaging, molecular genetics, and in vivo behavioral assays to map how photoreceptor loss reshapes retinal circuitry at the level of specific cell types. By identifying the signaling cascades that induce maladaptive plasticity, we aim to develop targeted neuroprotective strategies that preserve retinal function and improve outcomes for patients with inherited retinal dystrophies and other blinding conditions.
A major translational arm of the lab focuses on therapeutic modulation of the retinoic acid–P2X7 signaling axis. We repurpose and develop small‐molecule inhibitors and innovative intraocular delivery systems—including light‑activated sustained‑release formulations—to suppress retinal degeneration and inner retinal remodeling, restore signal fidelity at the circuit level, and enhance residual vision. Our work seeks to define the rules of retinal resilience and plasticity, enabling new treatments that protect vision and expand the therapeutic window for patients facing progressive retinal degeneration.
Through collaborations across our department and with other labs in the USA and abroad, we work to bridge fundamental neuroscience with clinically meaningful interventions.
For more information, visit the lab website.