Research

Overview of Research Programs

Organogenesis of the mammalian eye proceeds through a tightly orchestrated series of interactions between transient embryonic structures. Precise gene regulatory networks and signaling pathways direct cell cycle exit, cell survival, morphogenesis, lineage specification, and differentiation across distinct ocular tissues.

Our laboratory investigates the molecular, cellular, and epigenetic mechanisms that control the development, function, and structural integrity of the visual system in health and disease. By integrating transgenic mouse models, in vivo electroporation, single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics (Geo-seq), and human stem cell-derived ocular organoid models, we map the transcriptional and chromatin landscapes governing mammalian eye formation.

Primary Research Themes

Transcriptional Control & Tissue-Specific Gene Networks
We study how key developmental regulators acquire lineage-specific functions. A central focus is Pax6, a master regulator essential for eye, CNS, olfactory, and pancreatic development. Our work has uncovered Pax6-dependent gene networks across the lens, retina, iris, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), demonstrating how Pax6 collaborates with chromatin modifiers to drive precise spatial and temporal cell fates.
Selected Papers:
Cohen-Tayar et al., Dev (2018) | Raviv et al., PLoS Genet (2014) | Ashery-Padan et al., Genes Dev (2000)
Epigenetic Regulation & Chromatin Remodeling (SWI/SNF Complexes)
We explore how ATP-dependent SWI/SNF (BAF) chromatin remodeling complexes regulate cell fate transitions and tissue differentiation. Using conditional knockout models and spatial transcriptomics, we have shown that SWI/SNF complexes (via subunits Smarcc1 and Smarcc2) are required for RPE differentiation, cell-cycle exit, and the suppression of ectopic neural programs. More recently, we identified a stage-specific role for Smarcc1 in optic stalk patterning and optic nerve head (ONH) astrogenesis—demonstrating that Smarcc1 represses pigment gene programs in dorsal stalk progenitors to permit Pax2/Sox2-driven astrocyte specification, glial lamina assembly, and long-term axonal support.
Selected Papers:
Zuk-Bar et al., Dev (2026) | Ovadia et al., Dev (2023) | Sun et al., Epigenetics Chromatin (2016)
Cell-Cycle Exit & Retinal Lineage Specification
Our team investigates the factors coupling cell-cycle exit with the onset of differentiation in neural progenitor cells. Key regulators under study include Notch1, Zeb2, and the Ldb-Lhx transcriptional complex, which collectively establish progenitor competence and dictate the final proportions of retinal neurons and Müller glia.
Selected Papers:
Menuchin-Lasowski et al., Dev Biol (2020) | Remez et al., Dev Biol (2017) | Gueta et al., Dev (2016) | Farhy et al., PLoS One (2013) | Oron-Karni et al., Dev (2008) | Yaron et al., Dev (2006)
MicroRNA Networks in Ocular Development
We examine non-coding RNA-mediated regulation - specifically microRNAs (such as miR-204)—and their role in coordinating the parallel maturation of neuronal and non-neuronal ocular structures, including the RPE, optic cup neuroepithelium, and lens fiber cells.
Selected Papers:
Ohana et al., Dev (2015) | Shaham et al., PLoS Genet (2013) | Davis et al., Dev (2011)
Translational & Disease Models
By uncovering fundamental gene networks in development, our findings contribute to understanding the etiology of complex ocular diseases, revealing the critical roles of non-coding regulatory sequences and predicting individual disease susceptibility as a first step toward designing stem cell-based models and targeted therapies for human visual disorders.
Selected Papers:
Cohen-Gulkaret al., PLoS Biol (2023) | Tamar Hayman et al., Genet Med (2025)