Abigail S. Hackam Research Group

The lab tests canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling activators to identify photoreceptor protective factors and their receptors. Researchers investigate how innate immunity signals, glial-secreted cytokines, oxidative stress levels, and specific receptors regulate Wnt neuroprotection and photoreceptor survival. They characterize optic nerve regeneration mechanisms by assessing Wnt ligand-induced retinal ganglion cell axon growth, identifying key receptors and signaling proteins, and testing virally delivered axonal growth factors. The group uses a Muller glia-photoreceptor culture system and dietary models such as ketogenic and lyophilized grape supplement to screen compounds and environmental influences that delay vision loss.