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Craig Boote

Dr Craig Boote

Senior lecturer

Yr Ysgol Optometreg a Gwyddorau'r Golwg

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Research Overview

My main research interests are the biophysical properties and structural biology of the cornea and sclera. I am using x-ray scattering and microscopic imaging to investigate the factors that govern corneal transparency and refractive status, and their compromise in disease and surgery. I am also researching the structural biology and biomechanical function of the sclera and optic nerve head, and investigating their role in the development of glaucoma.

Teaching Overview

I am module leader for the BSc Optometric Physics (OP0204) and Research & Study Skills (OP1204) modules. I also teach on the MSc Research & Study Skills (OPT7108) module.  

Cyhoeddiad

2023

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2012

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1998

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Research Topics and Related Projects:

 

Collagen fibril bundles

Fig. 1: SHG multiphoton microscopy images showing collagen fibril bundles as a function of tissue depth in the posterior sclera of a human eye

The role of scleral and optic nerve head micro-architecture in glaucoma.

Elevated IOP is a major glaucoma risk factor. However the exact role that IOP plays in the RGC cell loss that characterises glaucoma is unknown. The biomechanical model of glaucoma proposes that IOP-induced deformation in and around the lamina cribrosa of the optic nerve head results in axonal dysfunction and apoptosis. The physical effects of IOP on nerve head axons are primarily mediated by the collagen-rich tissues of the lamina cribrosa and surrounding sclera. Our research aims are to: (i) characterise scleral and laminar tissue micro-architecture as a function of age and glaucoma, and (ii) use this information to determine the biomechanical factors that underpin glaucoma susceptibility and pathogenesis. We have developed novel synchrotron x-ray scattering and   laser scanning multiphoton imaging (Fig. 1) tools, to quantify scleral and laminar collagen fibre arrangement, and are using the information to build finite-element models to describe the mechanical behaviour of these tissues under normal/elevated IOP, and thereby their projected influence on nerve head axons.

Corneal dysfunction and the development of therapeutic strategies.

The cornea is a uniquely transparent, precisely curved tissue whose functionality depends heavily on the hierarchical structure and complex micro-anatomy of its extracellular matrix. Despite their importance for vision, the fundamental basis of corneal transparency and shape, and their compromise due to injury and   disease, is not fully understood. Our ultimate objective is to relate loss of transparency and changes in corneal shape/astigmatism to tissue micro- and ultra-structure.   We are using x-ray scattering methods (Fig. 2) and a range of complementary microscopic imaging modalities to determine in three-dimensions the relationships between the constituent collagen, proteoglycans and cells within normal and pathological mature/developing corneas, post-surgical corneas and emerging biosynthetic corneal replacements. Our aims are to: (i) model corneal transparency at the cellular and fibrillar level, and use this to explain the loss of transparency in a range of pathological conditions, including corneal wounds; (ii) characterize the full three-dimensional structure of the cornea, explain the structural basis of astigmatism, and demonstrate how ectatic and astigmatic pathologies and their surgical treatments can be modelled and their effect on the cornea$acirc; s macroscopic behaviour predicted by finite element analysis; (iii) develop methodologies for stabilizing corneal curvature and restoring transparency, including cell-based and photochemical cross-linking methods.

Collagen fibril orientations

Fig. 2: Collagen fibril orientations in the human cornea, as determined using wide-angle x-ray scattering
(Source: http://www.projectsmagazine.eu.com/randd_projects/understanding_the_complexities_of_the_cornea)

 

 

Funding:

Boote C (PI) & Meek KM, £122,672, Project Grant: "The role of the sclera in human glaucoma", Fight For Sight, 2012-2014.

Meek KM (PI), Quantock AJ, Knupp C, Boote C, £1.75M, Programme Grant: "The ultrastructural basis of corneal dysfunction and the development and optimization of novel therapeutic strategies", MRC, 2012 - 2017.

 

Research Team:

Dr Jacek Pijanka, Research Associate, "The role of the sclera in human glaucoma", Fight For Sight, 2012-2014.

 

Research Collaborators:

Dr Harry Quigley, Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins University.
Prof. Thao Nguyen, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University.
Prof. Ahmed Elsheikh, School of Engineering, University of Liverpool.
Prof. Rafael Grytz, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama.

Bywgraffiad

Educational and Professional Qualifications:

1995-1999: PhD, Structural studies of DNA using diffraction and spectroscopic methods, Keele University  

1992-1995: BSc (Physics/Biochemistry Dual Hons, 1), Keele University

 

Academic Positions:

2010- present: Lecturer, Cardiff University

2001 - 2011: Senior research Associate, Cardiff University

1999-2001: Research Associate, Cardiff University

 

School and University Roles and Committees:                                    

2012-present: Deputy chair, postgraduate research committee

2012-present:: School research seminar series organiser      

2011-present: Deputy biological safety officer

                             

Innovation and Engagement:

2012 - present: STEMNET ambassador

2010 - present: Visiting lecturer, HERCULES international training school.

 

Media interviews:

2012: http://insight-cdn1.phasebroadcast.net/podcastgen/?p=episode&name=2012-06-21_drboote.mp3

2011: http://www.projectsmagazine.eu.com/randd_projects/understanding_the_complexities_of_the_cornea

 

Invited lectures:

2013: (Key note) Diamond S4SAS Meeting, University of Sheffield, UK.

2012 : Diamond User Meeting, Diamond Light Source, UK.

        Wales & West Vision Conference, University of Newport, UK.

2010:   ESCRS Annual Congress, Paris, France.

2009:   Nanoscience and Materials Colloquium, University of Reading, UK.

2008:   Soft X-ray Imaging Workshop for Life Sciences, Diamond Light Source, UK.

2006:   Moorfields Eye Hospital, UK.  

        Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan.

2005     CITER annual meeting, University of Wales, Trinity College, Carmarthen, UK.         CCP13 annual meeting, Cardiff University, UK.    Awards:                 2004: Royal Society Travel Award

Anrhydeddau a dyfarniadau

  • 2004- Royal Society Travel Award

Aelodaethau proffesiynol

  • 2012-Present STEMNET ambassador
  • 2010-Present Visiting lecturer, HERCULES international training school.

Safleoedd academaidd blaenorol

  • 2010-Present: Lecturer, Cardiff University
  • 2001-2011 Senior research Associate, Cardiff University
  • 1999-2001 Research Associate, Cardiff University

Pwyllgorau ac adolygu

  • 2012-Present Deputy chair, postgraduate research committee
  • 2012-Present School research seminar series organiser    
  • 2011-Present Deputy biological safety officer

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