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Flow Cytometry Could Offer New Insights into Complex Eye Disease Preliminary yet promising findings emerge from latest technology BY LORI MALONE
A
new flow cytometer in Duke’s Department of Ophthalmology is giving researchers a new way of looking at ocular tissue samples and the unique biomarkers associated with certain diseases—a view that will someday lead to a diagnostic tool for complex eye diseases and better insights into treatment strategies.
Using the most advanced technology currently available, Duke’s flow cytometer processes ocular tissue and characterizes cells based on specific signatures.
“With data from the cytometer, we are beginning to ask if these cell signatures can actually predict disease outcomes and whether they can be used in precision medicine,” explains Daniel R. Saban, PhD, associate professor of ophthalmology who was instrumental in obtaining the equipment.
DUKE EYE CENTER
2021
“In clinical practice, when evaluating patients who have chronic uveitis, it can sometimes be challenging to determine the exact etiology of the underlying inflammation—whether it is autoimmune, infectious, or possibly a malignancy like lymphoma masquerading as chronic inflammation,” says Dilraj S. Grewal, MD, associate professor of ophthalmology. “Routine bloodbased testing only gives us an answer in about half the
“With data from the cytometer, we are beginning to ask if these cell signatures can actually predict disease outcomes and whether they can be used in precision medicine.” Daniel R. Saban, PhD Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
