Eric R Weh, PhD

My research focuses on understanding the molecular pathways underlying photoreceptor degeneration during retinal disease. We are specifically interested in identifying and analyzing metabolic adaptations unique to photoreceptors that can then be leveraged using pharmacologic or genetic approaches to develop novel therapies to prevent vision loss in patients with retinal degeneration. We are currently investigating the role of glycolysis in both photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium in the context of health and disease. At the same time, we are developing novel pharmacologic compounds to modulate glycolysis and other metabolic pathways to enhance photoreceptor survival during metabolic stress. We work closely with medicinal chemists to optimize the clinical properties of candidate compounds and test these compound both in vitro and in vivo for safety, pharmacokinetic properties, and efficacy at preventing photoreceptor loss. We have also developed several murine lines lacking or altering regulators of glycolysis in both photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium to identify metabolic pathways used by photoreceptors to maintain homeostasis that can be leveraged during retinal disease to prevent vision loss.