MCOM Labs Directory
Espana Lab
The Espana Corneal Extracellular Matrix Laboratory
We investigate corneal biology by creating corneal wounds in different mouse models, deficient or inducible in different types of collagens, cell cultures, molecular biology techniques and advanced microscopy techniques including electron microscopy, second harmonics, live in vivo confocal microscopy and regular confocal microscopy. The long term goal is to modulate wound healing and scar formation to maintain corneal transparency.
Laboratory Areas of Interest
- Regulation of structure and function by FACIT collagens.
- Regulation of stromal regeneration by collagens V and XII.
- Regulation of the Posterior Stroma-Endothelial niche by the extracellular matrix.
Publications
View our publications on PubMed.
Lab Members
Edgar Espana, MD
Assistant Professor, College of Medicine Ophthalmology
Assistant Professor, College of Medicine Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology
I am a clinician-scientist who takes care of patients with problems and diseases of the cornea but at the same time, I live fascinated by the unlimited wisdom of nature, demonstrated by the perfect construction and assembly of a crystal clear cornea made of infinite collagen fibrils in perfect arrangement to create the only transparent and rigid tissue in the body.
Chris Donovan, MD
Cornea Fellow
I am the current USF cornea fellow completing a two-year combined research and clinical fellowship. Clinically my interests include corneal infections, corneal transplantation, and corneal wound healing. In the lab I work on several projects involving the regulation of scar tissue formation following mechanical trauma in mice. I also work on a projects involving chemical crosslinking and therapies for corneal ulceration and melt.
Sheila Adams
Mei Sun
Devon Cogswell
Research Associate
I cut(cryosection) and stain tissue with antibodies for immunofluorescence, assist in surgeries on the mice, culture primary and immortalized cell lines for experiments like luciferase assays, cell migration studies, and cell staining for immunofluorescence. My current interest in the lab is to elucidate the role of Collagen V fragments after injury.
