Group: Molecular Biology and Mechanisms of Disease

Group leader

Professor Luminita Paraoan, PhD FARVO FRSB FHEA
Get in touch: [email protected]
Headshot of Luminita Paraoan. Luminita is wearing a blue blouse and smiling at the camera whilst sitting in the rooftop garden on Edge Hill University's campus.

Our research

Our research aims to further the understanding of fundamental molecular processes and pathways underlying physiology of various eye tissues in health, ageing and degeneration.

Studying gene expression and regulation in pigmented cells of the eye (retinal pigment epithelial, trabecular meshwork, uveal melanocytes) and focusing on fundamental cellular processes of proteolysis, apoptosis and cellular signalling, the group has identified and characterised key molecular determinants of normal and pathological states of specific eye tissues. The findings have relevance for major eye diseases (age-related macular degeneration, proliferative vitreoretinal disease, uveal melanoma and glaucoma) and wider implications for age-related degenerative processes, proliferative pathology and cancer. Through this we can support progress in their diagnosis and treatment.

Luminita and with Dr Daniel Grimes, Gunticha Suwanmanee, Dr Ioan Matei, Oliver Maldon and Lauren Blood in the rooftop garden on Edge Hill University's campus
Fun on the roof garden with Dr Daniel Grimes, Gunticha Suwanmanee, Dr Ioan Matei, Oliver Maldon and Lauren Blood. June 2023
Luminita and with Dr Daniel Grimes, Gunticha Suwanmanee, Dr Ioan Matei, Oliver Maldon and Lauren Blood in the rooftop garden on Edge Hill University's campus
More fun on the roof garden with Dr Daniel Grimes, Gunticha Suwanmanee, Dr Ioan Matei, Oliver Maldon and Lauren Blood. June 2023
Fun in the lab with Gunticha Suwanmanee, Dr Dan Grimes, Professor Sirikul Manochantr (visiting from the Centre for Stem Cell Excellence, Thammasat University, Thailand), Dr Ioan Matei and Tanachapa Jantalika.
Fun in the lab with Gunticha Suwanmanee, Dr Dan Grimes, Professor Sirikul Manochantr (visiting from the Centre for Stem Cell Excellence, Thammasat University, Thailand), Dr Ioan Matei and Tanachapa Jantalika. April 2023
: Luminita with (r to l) Dr Daniel Grimes, Tanachapa Jantalika, Dr Ioan Matei and Danny Cosgrove – February 2023
Luminita with (r to l) Dr Daniel Grimes, Tanachapa Jantalika, Dr Ioan Matei and Danny Cosgrove – February 2023
: Dr Daniel Grimes with Tanachapa Jantalika (international research fellow) in the new lab.
Dr Daniel Grimes with Tanachapa Jantalika (international research fellow) in the new lab.