Research Profile
Dr Julie Albon
Telephone:+44 (0)29 2087 5427
Fax:+44 (0)29 2087 4859
Extension:75427
Additional
contact info:
Address:Room 2.29, Maindy Road
Qualifications
Following my degree in Applied Biological Sciences in 1989, I worked as a Research Assistant for the Department of Ophthalmology, at Bristol University, investigating the extracellular matrix of human ocular tissues, in collaboration with the Muscle and Collagen Research group based at Langford. During this period I investigated the age-related changes in the extracellular matrix of the human lamina cribrosa for which I was awarded a PhD in 1995. During my previous employment as a Senior Clinical Scientist in the Eye Bank at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and Honorary Research Fellow within the Department of Ophthalmology, I lectured on various modules of the MSc in Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, and carried out both clinical and basic science research.
Research Interests
My current research interests are focussed on cell biology of the cornea, with special reference to cell death in the corneal endothelium. I have demonstrated endothelial cell death by apoptosis of organ culture stored human corneas and am currently investigating the mechanisms by which this occurs and how apoptosis can be prevented. This work is currently funded by the National Eye Research Centre.
Throughout my research history I have studied ocular tissues using a range of biochemical and microscopy techniques. Projects have involved the study of the extracellular matrix of various ocular tissues including the human lamina cribrosa and Bruch’s membrane. Clinical research has involved the investigation of the effect of dorzolamide on the corneal endothelium and post-operative astigmatism following penetrating keratoplasty.