Cellular Biology Department Head, Associate Professor The Lauderdale Lab studies how genes shape the eye and brain, with a focus on PAX6 and the evolution of high-acuity vision. We investigate corneal transparency, foveal development, and the neurological impact of PAX6 mutations to guide future therapies. By uncovering why this gene is essential for clear corneas, sharp central vision, and healthy neural processing, our work aims to provide new treatments for aniridia and other vision‑threatening conditions as well as advance future therapies that protect and restore vision. About Dr. Lauderdale James D. Lauderdale is a developmental neurobiologist whose research focuses on how the eye forms, functions, and fails, and how this knowledge can ultimately improve vision and neurological outcomes for individuals with genetic eye disorders. His lab combines genetics, developmental biology, and modern genomics to uncover how key genes shape the cornea, retina, and the brain regions that support sight. Dr. Lauderdale leads collaborative, basic, and translational research centered on PAX6, a key developmental gene essential for both the eye and the brain. Mutations in PAX6 cause aniridia, a rare congenital disorder that affects vision, corneal health, and aspects of neural development. His team works at the intersection of biology and medicine, using patient‑derived cells, retinal organoids, animal models, and computational genomics to uncover disease mechanisms and identify potential future therapeutic treatments. Research Overview 1. How Genes Build the Eye and Shape Vision The Lauderdale Lab investigates how genetic networks create the fine‑tuned architecture of the eye. Using Anolis sagrei and other vertebrate models, the group studies the evolution and developmental patterning of high‑acuity visual structures, including the fovea. Current work explores: Pigment‑dependent signaling pathways that control regional retinal development Molecular cues that regulate fovea formation Shared genetic mechanisms that link human and non‑mammalian visual specialization 2. Corneal Clarity and Repair The lab uses mouse genetics and next‑generation RNA sequencing to map how the cornea maintains its transparency and how these systems fail in disease. A major effort focuses on understanding how different PAX6 mutations alter corneal growth and homeostasis across development. Key questions include: How do epithelial and stromal gene networks maintain corneal clarity? How does loss or reduction of PAX6 disrupt epithelial renewal? Which pathways can be targeted to slow or reverse corneal degeneration? 3. PAX6 and Aniridia – From Genetic Insight to Better Eye and Brain Outcomes Beyond its essential role in eye formation, PAX6 is also crucial for shaping the developing brain, particularly regions involved in sensory processing, cognition, and inter‑hemispheric communication. The Lauderdale Lab works with clinicians, imaging scientists, and biotech partners to understand how PAX6 mutations affect both ocular and neurological health in individuals with aniridia to identify opportunities for intervention. This integrated translational work includes: Using patient‑derived induced pluripotent stem cells and retinal organoids to model early PAX6‑dependent disease pathways Identifying molecular signatures that predict progression toward aniridia‑associated keratopathy (AAK) Studying how PAX6 haploinsufficiency impacts neural development Integrating MRI and behavioral data to assess sensory and cognitive outcomes Searching for druggable pathways that may stabilize or restore corneal health Defining shared molecular mechanisms underlying both ocular and neurological symptoms The long‑term goal is to link specific genetic changes to both visual and neural function, giving clinicians a clearer understanding of PAX6-related challenges and paving the way for strategies that could lessen their impact. Teaching & Mentoring Dr. Lauderdale is committed to training the next generation of scientists. Over the past decade, he has mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate researchers, who have gone on to co‑author papers, present at national conferences, and pursue careers in science and medicine. He further strengthens the community by participating in NINDS mentorship initiatives and UGA’s Mentoring program. Lauderdale Lab — At a Glance What We Study How genes build the eye and brain The developmental and evolutionary origins of high-acuity vision‑acuity vision How do PAX6 mutations (alter??) disrupt corneal clarity, retinal patterning, and neural development Why It Matters Our work seeks to understand genetic eye disorders such as aniridia, which affect both vision and brain function, and to lay the groundwork for future treatments. By uncovering the molecular pathways involved, we aim to identify interventions that could preserve sight and improve neurological outcomes. Our Models and Approaches Patient-derived stem cells and retinal organoids‑derived stem cells Mouse and Anolis sagrei models of eye development Advanced genomics and computational analysis Collaborations with clinicians, imaging scientists, and biotech partners Current Focus Areas Corneal biology, transparency, and regeneration Molecular mechanisms of PAX6-related disease‑related disease Brain development and cognition in individuals with aniridia Evolution of specialized retinal structures such as the fovea Long-term Goals‑Term Goals Identify therapeutic (drug-targetable) pathways for aniridia associated keratopathy (AAK)‑associated keratopathy (AAK) Build predictive models linking PAX6 mutations to eye and brain outcomes Translate developmental biology into future therapeutic strategies Research Programs: Cells and Disease Cells in Development Research Interests: Developmental neurobiology: molecular genetic mechanisms of vertebrate eye and forebrain development Selected Publications Sornborger, A.T., Broder, J., Majumder, A., Srinivasamoorthy, G., Porter, E., Reagin, S.S., Keith, C., and J.D. Lauderdale. (2008) Estimating weak ratiometric signals in imaging data. II. Meta-analysis with multiple, dual-channel datasets. J. Opt. Soc. Am. A. 25(9):2185-2194. Kim, J. and J.D. Lauderdale. (2008) Overexpression of pairedless Pax6 in the retina disrupts corneal development and affects lens cell survival. Dev. Biol. 313:434-454. Fan, X., Majumder, A., Reagin, S.S., Porter, E.L., Sornborger, A.T., Keith, C.H and J.D. Lauderdale. (2007) New Statistical Methods Enhance Imaging of Cameleon FRET in Cultured Zebrafish Spinal Neurons. J. Biomedical Optics 12(3):034017. (Selected for inclusion in the June 1, 2007 issue of Virtual Journal of Biological Physics Research) Broder, J., Majumder, A., Srinivasamoorthy, G., Porter, E., Keith, C., Lauderdale*, J.D. and A.T. Sornborger*. (2007) Estimating weak ratiometric signals in imaging data I: dual-channel data. J. Opt. Soc. Am. A, 24(9):2921–2931. *Lauderdale and Sornborger are co-Senior Investigators on this project. Lakowski, J., Majumder, A., and J.D. Lauderdale. (2007) Mechanisms controlling Pax6 isoform expression in the retina have been conserved between teleosts and mammals. Dev. Biol. 307:498-520. Kim, J. and J.D. Lauderdale (2006) Analysis of Pax6 expression using a BAC transgene reveals the presence of a paired-less isoform of Pax6 in the eye and olfactory bulb. Dev. Biol. 292:486-505. Lauderdale, J.D., Wilensky, J.S., Oliver, E.R., Walton, D.S., and T. Glaser. (2000) 3' deletions cause aniridia by preventing PAX6 gene expression. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 97(25):13755-13759. Lauderdale, J.D., Pasquali, S. K., Fazel, R., van Eeden, F. J. M., Schauerte, H. E., Haffter, P, and J.Y. Kuwada. (1998) Regulation of netrin-1a expression by hedgehog proteins. Mol. Cell. Neuro. 11(4):194-205. Lauderdale, J.D., Davis, N.M., and J.Y. Kuwada. (1997) Axon tracts correlate with netrin-1a expression in the zebrafish embryo. Mol. Cell. Neuro. 9(4): 293-313. Liu, K., Lauderdale, J.D., and A. Stein. (1993) Signals in chicken b-globin DNA influence chromatin assembly in vitro. Mol. Cell. Biol. 13(12):7596-7603. Lauderdale, J.D. and A. Stein. (1993) Effects of plasmid length and positioned nucleosomes on chromatin assembly in vitro. Biochemistry 32(2):489-499. Lauderdale, J.D. and A. Stein. (1992) Introns of the chicken ovalbumin gene promote nucleosome alignment in vitro. Nucl. Acids Res. 20(24):6589-6596. Jeong, S.-W., Lauderdale, J.D., and A. Stein. (1991) Chromatin assembly on plasmid DNA in vitro: apparent spreading of nucleosome alignment from one region of pBR327 by histone H5. J. Mol. Biol. 222(4):1131-1147.
