Gladys Ko
About me 關於我
After getting my B.S. in Biology (National Cheng Kung University) and M.S. in Anatomical Sciences (formerly known as National Yang-Ming Medical School) in Taiwan, I obtained my Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences with a major in Neuroscience and a minor in Pharmacology from Kent State University affiliated with Northeastern Medical University in Ohio to study the effects of anti-convulsant drugs in hippocampus. I continued to pursue research in the brain synaptic plasticity during my first postdoctoral training followed by a complete research switch to study how circadian clock regulates the retinal photoreceptors. After coming to Texas A&M, I continued to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the circadian regulation of retina physiology. Interestingly, a lot of these molecules under the circadian control are changed by the disease states, so my laboratory expanded our research to investigate various eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and age-related macular degeneration. During this time, my laboratory discovered an endogenous peptide, “peptide Lv”. Peptide Lv is able to augment the function of photoreceptors and cardiomyocytes. In addition, peptide Lv promotes developmental and pathological angiogenesis. Thus, my laboratory has two major lines of research: 1. Discovery of disease-mechanisms and potential treatments of retinopathies; 2. Continued Investigation on the action of peptide Lv and its implications in health and diseases.
Area 領域
生命科學/生醫: Life Sciences / Biomedical
Expertise 專長
Neuroscience, Physiology, Pharmacology, Visual Neuroscience, Chronobiology