Dr. Sidney Gospe

Biography

Dr. Sidney Maloch Gospe joined Duke Ophthalmology on August 1, 2017. His research interests focus on developing novel genetic mouse models of severe mitochondrial dysfunction in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and retinal neurons to recapitulate RGC degeneration seen in human optic neuropathies and the poorly understood pigmentary retinopathy that accompanies these diseases. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of cells, efficiently generating energy through oxidative metabolism. When mitochondrial function is compromised, cells become deprived of essential energy and are subjected to adverse effects from reactive oxygen species. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a crucial cause of vision loss, believed to play a mechanistic role in various optic neuropathies. Dr. Gospe employs biochemical, histological, and electrophysiological approaches to characterize metabolic perturbations and aberrant signaling pathways leading to retinal neuron degeneration resulting from reduced oxidative metabolism. He is developing mutant mouse lines that serve as valuable preclinical models for identifying and validating therapeutic targets for future human trials. His ultimate goal is to find strategies to modulate mitochondrial physiology and provide neuroprotection in primary mitochondrial optic neuropathies and other optic neuropathies that significantly affect patients' vision.

Research Interests

Experience