Chai-An Mao, PhD

Areas of Interest

Research Interests

Research in Dr. Mao’s lab has focused on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control the specification and differentiation of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) during development. The current research projects aim to understand how RGC subtypes develop and function, and how they respond to environmental insults and disease challenges. The major goal is to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the genetic regulatory mechanism for RGC development and maintenance. Dr. Mao’s lab uses multidisciplinary strategy by combining genetically modified mouse models, genomic tools, anatomical studies, and behavioral and physiological analyses to study these topics:

• Genetic regulatory network for RGC specification and differentiation
• RGC subtypes: morphology, central connection, function, and genetic regulation
• Transcriptional regulation of metabolic differentiation program in retinal development and diseases