David T. Tse

About David T. Tse

“My translational research interests are investigating the molecular underpinnings of a broad spectrum of orbital diseases, including a lethal lacrimal gland tumor, traumatic optic neuropathy, and conditions for which effective therapy remains elusive. My singular, cure-focused goal is to achieve mastery in eradicating blinding orbital diseases through interdisciplinary, collaborative research. Our laboratory established an animal model to study the molecular events underlying the initiation and progression of neuropathic injury in traumatic optic neuropathy and designed a novel early polytherapy treatment strategy targeting multiple molecular pathways associated with blindness following optic nerve trauma.

“Over the past 18 months, our primary focus has been on developing a sui generis body of knowledge for orbit-centric eye organ transplantation – a ‘Moon Shot’ project. We created an eye-ECMO device and a surgical workflow for human donor eye recovery, preservation, allograft viability assessment, optic nerve coaptation, and whole-eye implantation into the recipient orbit. This project aims to push the boundaries of visual science through a multidisciplinary dialogue on the cross-cutting challenges of the bold idea, close critical knowledge gaps, overcome technical limitations through innovations, and provide essential elements to translate scientific discoveries into clinical reality. Our traumatic optic neuropathy and whole-eye transplantation projects represent an advancement in ophthalmology, as we have designed and synthesized modulators for several pathways that have proven beneficial for exerting neuroprotective and regenerative competencies on dysfunctional retinal ganglion cells. With philanthropic support, we believe we have constructed the foundational steps of a tall ladder to reach the moon eventually.”