Harvard Catalyst Profiles

The conjunctival epithelium lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the sclera, thus providing stability to the transparent cornea and the entire eye surface. Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is an allergic inflammation developed in the conjunctival epithelium, one of the most common ocular allergies affecting more than 40 % of the North American population. Our lab recently found out that the type and the amount of specialized pro-resolving mediators (a class of bioactive lipid mediators) secreted by the human male conjunctival epithelial cells against allergic inflammation were notably different from those of the females. We speculate that our data may be linked to the clinically observed male predisposition to the severe forms of conjunctivitis. To better understand the resolution mechanism imposed by the conjunctiva and existing sex difference, we launched a novel research project investigating the profile of specialized pro-resolving mediators produced and secreted by the conjunctival epithelial cells under health and inflammation. We will concentrate on the role of exosomes and the pro-resolution lipids derived from omega3 fatty acids (DHA) and use human epithelial cells in culture (conjunctival goblet cells). Student’s role: 1. This is an in-person project. The student is expected to work regularly in the laboratory located at the Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear. Free shuttle rides between BWH and MGH are available. (https://www.massgeneral.org/visit/parking-and-shuttles/shuttle-service). 2. Student will be learning basic and advanced experimental techniques widely used in cell and molecular biology and how to analyze and interpret the data. 3. The amount of laboratory work and the level of experimental techniques can be flexibly adjusted based on the discussion with the student and the evaluation by the Principal Investigator. 4. Committed student may know how to handle the laboratory pipettes properly. 5. Student may or may not have experience in cell and molecular biology experiments.