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Dr Julie Albon
Senior Lecturer, Deputy Director of Research, Optic Nerve Head Group Leader, HTA Person designate for Cathays Park HTA satellite licence
School of Optometry and Vision Sciences
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
I am a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director of Research within the School of Optometry & Vision Sciences, within the College of Biomedical and Life Sciences.
Current research focuses on investigating the in vivo and ex vivo human optic nerve head (ONH), in particular the lamina cribrosa and its insertion region into the sclera, with an overall aim to i) understand how ONH structure and connective tissue micro- and nano-organisation influences a) its biomechanics and b) susceptibility to the development of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
We use a number of ex vivo and in vivo techniques to analyse the cells and connective tissue (collagen, elastin and proteoglycans) and overall architecture of the 3D optic nerve head (non-linear microscopy, xray microtomography, optical coherence tomography) alters in ageing and glaucoma. In addition, we are investigating the regional micro- and nano-organisation of connective tissue fibres, collagen and elastin (SAXS, SALS, second harmonic generation imaging, two photon excited fluorescence, spectral imaging) in the ONH, and how these influence the biomechanical behaviour (including micromechanics) of the human ONH in response to stress and strain.
Publication
2023
- Ahmad, F., Soe, S., Albon, J., Errington, R. and Theobald, P. 2023. Quantifying the microstructural and biomechanical changes in the porcine ventricles during growth and remodelling. Acta Biomaterialia 171, pp. 166-192. (10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.044)
2022
- Bartlett, R. L. et al. 2022. Quantifying biomarkers of axonal degeneration in early glaucoma to find the disc at risk. Scientific Reports 12(1), article number: 9366. (10.1038/s41598-022-12036-4)
- Rumney, B. M. et al. 2022. Characterisation of carapace composition in developing and adult ostracods (Skogsbergia lerneri) and its potential for biomaterials. Marine Biology 169(6), article number: 78. (10.1007/s00227-022-04047-6)
- Kulmaganbetov, M. et al. 2022. Textural feature analysis of optical coherence tomography phantoms. Electronics 11(4), article number: 669. (10.3390/electronics11040669)
- Rumney, B. M. et al. 2022. The ultrastructural development and 3D reconstruction of the transparent carapace of the ostracod Skogsbergia lerneri. Marine Biology 169, article number: 35. (10.1007/s00227-021-04006-7)
2021
- Parker, A. R., Palka, B. P., Albon, J., Meek, K. M., Holden, S. and Malik, F. T. 2021. Biomimetic transparent eye protection inspired by the carapace of an ostracod (crustacea). Nanomaterials 11(3), article number: 663. (10.3390/nano11030663)
2020
- Morgan, S. R. et al. 2020. Establishment of long-term ostracod epidermal culture. In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology - Animal 56(9), pp. 760-772. (10.1007/s11626-020-00508-8)
- Huang, C., Albon, J., V. Ljubimov, A. and Grant, M. B. 2020. Stem cells in the eye. In: Principles of Tissue Engineering Fifth Edition. Elsevier Inc., pp. 1115-1133., (10.1016/B978-0-12-818422-6.00062-9)
2018
- Nosch, D. S., Pult, H., Albon, J., Purslow, C. and Murphy, P. J. 2018. Does air gas aesthesiometry generate a true mechanical stimulus for corneal sensitivity measurement?. Clinical and Experimental Optometry 101(2), pp. 193-199. (10.1111/cxo.12603)
2017
- Feola, A. J. et al. 2017. Deformation of the lamina cribrosa and optic nerve due to changes in cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 58(4), pp. 2070-2078. (10.1167/iovs.16-21393)
2016
- Coudrillier, B. et al. 2016. Effects of peripapillary scleral stiffening on the deformation of the lamina cribrosa. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 57(6), pp. 2666-2677. (10.1167/iovs.15-18193)
- Nosch, D. S., Pult, H., Albon, J., Purslow, C. and Murphy, P. J. 2016. Relationship between corneal sensation, blinking, and tear film quality. Optometry and Vision Science 93(5), pp. 471-481. (10.1097/OPX.0000000000000827)
- Coudrillier, B. et al. 2016. Phase-contrast micro-computed tomography measurements of the intraocular pressure-induced deformation of the porcine lamina cribrosa. IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging 35(4), pp. 988-999. (10.1109/TMI.2015.2504440)
2015
- Gardner, S. J., White, N., Albon, J., Knupp, C., Kamma-Lorger, C. S. and Meek, K. M. 2015. Measuring the refractive index of bovine corneal stromal cells using quantitative phase imaging. Biophysical Journal 109(8), pp. 1592-1599. (10.1016/j.bpj.2015.08.046)
- Jones, H. J., Girard, M. J., White, N., Fautsch, M. P., Morgan, J. E., Ethier, C. R. and Albon, J. 2015. Quantitative analysis of three-dimensional fibrillar collagen microstructure within the normal, aged and glaucomatous human optic nerve head. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 12(106), article number: 20150066. (10.1098/rsif.2015.0066)
- Zhang, L., Albon, J., Jones, H., Gouget, C. L. M., Ethier, C. R., Goh, J. C. H. and Girard, M. J. A. 2015. Collagen microstructural factors influencing optic nerve head biomechanics. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 56(3), pp. 2031-2042. (10.1167/iovs.14-15734)
2014
- Anantrasirichai, N. et al. 2014. Adaptive-weighted bilateral filtering and other pre-processing techniques for optical coherence tomography. Computerized Medical Imaging and Graphics 38(6), pp. 526-539. (10.1016/j.compmedimag.2014.06.012)
2013
- North, R. V. et al. 2013. Lamina cribrosa pore analysis in glaucomatous human optic nerve heads in vivo. Presented at: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Seattle, WA, USA, 5-9 May 2013.
2012
- Mortlock, K. E. et al. 2012. Three dimensional (3D) segmentation of normal and glaucomatous optic nerve heads in 1050nm optical coherence tomography (OCT) datasets. Presented at: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Fort Lauderdale, FL., USA, 6-9 May 2012.
2011
- Girard, M. J. A. et al. 2011. Quantitative mapping of scleral fiber orientation in normal rat eyes. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 52(13), pp. 9684-9693. (10.1167/iovs.11-7894)
- Taylor, S., Calder, C., Albon, J., Erichsen, J. T., Boulton, M. E. and Morgan, J. E. 2011. Involvement of the CD200 receptor complex in microglia activation in experimental glaucoma. Experimental Eye Research 92(5), pp. 338-343. (10.1016/j.exer.2011.01.012)
- Mi, S., Dooley, E. P., Albon, J., Boulton, M. E., Meek, K. M. A. and Kamma-Lorger, C. S. 2011. Adhesion of laser in situ keratomileusis-like flaps in the cornea: effects of crosslinking, stromal fibroblasts, and cytokine treatment. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery 37(1), pp. 166-172. (10.1016/j.jcrs.2010.07.028)
- Ma, A., Zhao, B., Boulton, M. and Albon, J. 2011. A role for Notch signaling in corneal wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration 19(1), pp. 98-106. (10.1111/j.1524-475X.2010.00648.x)
2010
- Kisiswa, L., Albon, J., Morgan, J. E. and Wride, M. A. 2010. Cellular inhibitor of apoptosis (cIAP1) is down-regulated during Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) maturation. Experimental Eye Research 91(5), pp. 739-747. (10.1016/j.exer.2010.08.024)
- Mortlock, K. E. et al. 2010. 1050nm optical coherence tomography of the ageing and glaucomatous optic nerve head. Presented at: EUROMECH Colloquim, Imperial College, London, UK, 26-28 July, 2010.
- Kisiswa, L., Dervan, A. G., Albon, J., Morgan, J. E. and Wride, M. A. 2010. Retinal ganglion cell death postponed: giving apoptosis a break?. Ophthalmic Research 43(2), pp. 61-78. (10.1159/000247591)
2009
- Kamma-Lorger, C. S., Boote, C., Hayes, S., Albon, J., Boulton, M. E. and Meek, K. M. A. 2009. Collagen ultrastructural changes during stromal wound healing in organ cultured bovine corneas. Experimental Eye Research 88(5), pp. 953-959. (10.1016/j.exer.2008.12.005)
2007
- Ma, A., Boulton, M. E., Zhao, B., Connon, C. J., Cai, J. and Albon, J. 2007. A role for notch signaling in human corneal epithelial cell differentiation and proliferation. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 48(8), pp. 3576-3585. (10.1167/iovs.06-1373)
- Albon, J. et al. 2007. Connective tissue structure of the tree shrew optic nerve and associated ageing changes. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 48(5), pp. 2134-2144. (10.1167/iovs.06-0084)
2006
- Jarrett, S. G., Albon, J. and Boulton, M. E. 2006. The contribution of DNA repair and antioxidants in determining cell type-specific resistance to oxidative stress. Free Radical Research 40(11), pp. 1155-1165. (10.1080/10715760600876613)
- Carrington, L. M., Albon, J., Anderson, I., Kamma-Lorger, C. S. and Boulton, M. E. 2006. Differential regulation of key stages in early corneal wound healing by TGF-beta isoforms and their inhibitors. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 47(5), pp. 1886-1894. (10.1167/iovs.05-0635)
- Morgan, J. E., Datta, A. V., Erichsen, J. T., Albon, J. and Boulton, M. E. 2006. Retinal ganglion cell remodelling in experimental glaucoma. In: Hollyfield, J. G., Anderson, R. E. and LaVail, M. M. eds. Retinal Degenerative Diseases. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology Vol. 572. New York: Springer, pp. 397-402.
2004
- Boulton, M. and Albon, J. 2004. Stem cells in the eye. International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology 36(4), pp. 643-657. (10.1016/j.biocel.2003.10.013)
2003
- Jones, A. L., Carrington, L. M., Albon, J., Rosen, E. and Boulton, M. E. 2003. Localisation of receptors to estradiol, progesterone and androgen in the bovine cornea. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 44(E-Abst)
- Albon, J., Ma, A., Cai, J. and Boulton, M. E. 2003. Localisation of notch and delta in the human cornea [Abstract]. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 44(E-Abst)
2000
- Albon, J., Tullo, A. B., Aktar, S. and Boulton, M. E. 2000. Apoptosis in the endothelium of human corneas for transplantation. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 41(10), pp. 2887-2893.
- Albon, J., Karwatowski, W. S., Easty, D. L., Sims, T. J. and Duance, V. C. 2000. Age related changes in the non-collagenous components of the extracellular matrix of the human lamina cribrosa. British Journal of Ophthalmology 84(3), pp. 311-317. (10.1136/bjo.84.3.311)
- Albon, J., Purslow, P. P., Karwatowski, W. S. and Easty, D. L. 2000. Age related compliance of the lamina cribrosa in human eyes. British Journal of Ophthalmology 84(3), pp. 318-323. (10.1136/bjo.84.3.318)
1999
- Davies, Y., Lewis, D., Fullwood, N. J., Nieduszynski, I. A., Marcyniuk, B., Albon, J. and Tullo, A. 1999. Proteoglycans on normal and migrating human corneal endothelium. Experimental Eye Research 68(3), pp. 303-311. (10.1006/exer.1998.0609)
1997
- Albon, J., Tullo, A. B. and Boulton, M. E. 1997. Apoptosis in the endothelium of organ-cultured human corneas. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 38(4), pp. 3374-3374.
1995
- Karwatowski, W., Jeffries, T., Duance, V., Albon, J., Bailey, A. and Easty, D. 1995. Preparation of Bruch's membrane and analysis of the age-related changes in the structural collagens. British Journal of Ophthalmology 79(10), pp. 944-952. (10.1136/bjo.79.10.944)
- Jeffery, G., Evans, A., Albon, J., Duance, V., Neal, J. and Dawidek, G. 1995. The human optic nerve: fascicular organisation and connective tissue types along the extra-fascicular matrix. Anatomy and Embryology 191(6), pp. 491-502.
- Albon, J., Karwatowski, W., Avery, N., Easty, D. and Duance, V. 1995. Changes in the collagenous matrix of the aging human lamina cribrosa. British Journal of Ophthalmology 79(4), pp. 368-375.
1994
- Albon, J., Purslow, P. P., Duance, V. C., Easty, D. L. and Karwatowski, W. 1994. Mechanical compliance of the aging human lamina-cribrosa [Abstract]. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 35(4), pp. 1645-1645.
Articles
- Ahmad, F., Soe, S., Albon, J., Errington, R. and Theobald, P. 2023. Quantifying the microstructural and biomechanical changes in the porcine ventricles during growth and remodelling. Acta Biomaterialia 171, pp. 166-192. (10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.044)
- Bartlett, R. L. et al. 2022. Quantifying biomarkers of axonal degeneration in early glaucoma to find the disc at risk. Scientific Reports 12(1), article number: 9366. (10.1038/s41598-022-12036-4)
- Rumney, B. M. et al. 2022. Characterisation of carapace composition in developing and adult ostracods (Skogsbergia lerneri) and its potential for biomaterials. Marine Biology 169(6), article number: 78. (10.1007/s00227-022-04047-6)
- Kulmaganbetov, M. et al. 2022. Textural feature analysis of optical coherence tomography phantoms. Electronics 11(4), article number: 669. (10.3390/electronics11040669)
- Rumney, B. M. et al. 2022. The ultrastructural development and 3D reconstruction of the transparent carapace of the ostracod Skogsbergia lerneri. Marine Biology 169, article number: 35. (10.1007/s00227-021-04006-7)
- Parker, A. R., Palka, B. P., Albon, J., Meek, K. M., Holden, S. and Malik, F. T. 2021. Biomimetic transparent eye protection inspired by the carapace of an ostracod (crustacea). Nanomaterials 11(3), article number: 663. (10.3390/nano11030663)
- Morgan, S. R. et al. 2020. Establishment of long-term ostracod epidermal culture. In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology - Animal 56(9), pp. 760-772. (10.1007/s11626-020-00508-8)
- Nosch, D. S., Pult, H., Albon, J., Purslow, C. and Murphy, P. J. 2018. Does air gas aesthesiometry generate a true mechanical stimulus for corneal sensitivity measurement?. Clinical and Experimental Optometry 101(2), pp. 193-199. (10.1111/cxo.12603)
- Feola, A. J. et al. 2017. Deformation of the lamina cribrosa and optic nerve due to changes in cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 58(4), pp. 2070-2078. (10.1167/iovs.16-21393)
- Coudrillier, B. et al. 2016. Effects of peripapillary scleral stiffening on the deformation of the lamina cribrosa. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 57(6), pp. 2666-2677. (10.1167/iovs.15-18193)
- Nosch, D. S., Pult, H., Albon, J., Purslow, C. and Murphy, P. J. 2016. Relationship between corneal sensation, blinking, and tear film quality. Optometry and Vision Science 93(5), pp. 471-481. (10.1097/OPX.0000000000000827)
- Coudrillier, B. et al. 2016. Phase-contrast micro-computed tomography measurements of the intraocular pressure-induced deformation of the porcine lamina cribrosa. IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging 35(4), pp. 988-999. (10.1109/TMI.2015.2504440)
- Gardner, S. J., White, N., Albon, J., Knupp, C., Kamma-Lorger, C. S. and Meek, K. M. 2015. Measuring the refractive index of bovine corneal stromal cells using quantitative phase imaging. Biophysical Journal 109(8), pp. 1592-1599. (10.1016/j.bpj.2015.08.046)
- Jones, H. J., Girard, M. J., White, N., Fautsch, M. P., Morgan, J. E., Ethier, C. R. and Albon, J. 2015. Quantitative analysis of three-dimensional fibrillar collagen microstructure within the normal, aged and glaucomatous human optic nerve head. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 12(106), article number: 20150066. (10.1098/rsif.2015.0066)
- Zhang, L., Albon, J., Jones, H., Gouget, C. L. M., Ethier, C. R., Goh, J. C. H. and Girard, M. J. A. 2015. Collagen microstructural factors influencing optic nerve head biomechanics. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 56(3), pp. 2031-2042. (10.1167/iovs.14-15734)
- Anantrasirichai, N. et al. 2014. Adaptive-weighted bilateral filtering and other pre-processing techniques for optical coherence tomography. Computerized Medical Imaging and Graphics 38(6), pp. 526-539. (10.1016/j.compmedimag.2014.06.012)
- Girard, M. J. A. et al. 2011. Quantitative mapping of scleral fiber orientation in normal rat eyes. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 52(13), pp. 9684-9693. (10.1167/iovs.11-7894)
- Taylor, S., Calder, C., Albon, J., Erichsen, J. T., Boulton, M. E. and Morgan, J. E. 2011. Involvement of the CD200 receptor complex in microglia activation in experimental glaucoma. Experimental Eye Research 92(5), pp. 338-343. (10.1016/j.exer.2011.01.012)
- Mi, S., Dooley, E. P., Albon, J., Boulton, M. E., Meek, K. M. A. and Kamma-Lorger, C. S. 2011. Adhesion of laser in situ keratomileusis-like flaps in the cornea: effects of crosslinking, stromal fibroblasts, and cytokine treatment. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery 37(1), pp. 166-172. (10.1016/j.jcrs.2010.07.028)
- Ma, A., Zhao, B., Boulton, M. and Albon, J. 2011. A role for Notch signaling in corneal wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration 19(1), pp. 98-106. (10.1111/j.1524-475X.2010.00648.x)
- Kisiswa, L., Albon, J., Morgan, J. E. and Wride, M. A. 2010. Cellular inhibitor of apoptosis (cIAP1) is down-regulated during Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) maturation. Experimental Eye Research 91(5), pp. 739-747. (10.1016/j.exer.2010.08.024)
- Kisiswa, L., Dervan, A. G., Albon, J., Morgan, J. E. and Wride, M. A. 2010. Retinal ganglion cell death postponed: giving apoptosis a break?. Ophthalmic Research 43(2), pp. 61-78. (10.1159/000247591)
- Kamma-Lorger, C. S., Boote, C., Hayes, S., Albon, J., Boulton, M. E. and Meek, K. M. A. 2009. Collagen ultrastructural changes during stromal wound healing in organ cultured bovine corneas. Experimental Eye Research 88(5), pp. 953-959. (10.1016/j.exer.2008.12.005)
- Ma, A., Boulton, M. E., Zhao, B., Connon, C. J., Cai, J. and Albon, J. 2007. A role for notch signaling in human corneal epithelial cell differentiation and proliferation. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 48(8), pp. 3576-3585. (10.1167/iovs.06-1373)
- Albon, J. et al. 2007. Connective tissue structure of the tree shrew optic nerve and associated ageing changes. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 48(5), pp. 2134-2144. (10.1167/iovs.06-0084)
- Jarrett, S. G., Albon, J. and Boulton, M. E. 2006. The contribution of DNA repair and antioxidants in determining cell type-specific resistance to oxidative stress. Free Radical Research 40(11), pp. 1155-1165. (10.1080/10715760600876613)
- Carrington, L. M., Albon, J., Anderson, I., Kamma-Lorger, C. S. and Boulton, M. E. 2006. Differential regulation of key stages in early corneal wound healing by TGF-beta isoforms and their inhibitors. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 47(5), pp. 1886-1894. (10.1167/iovs.05-0635)
- Boulton, M. and Albon, J. 2004. Stem cells in the eye. International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology 36(4), pp. 643-657. (10.1016/j.biocel.2003.10.013)
- Jones, A. L., Carrington, L. M., Albon, J., Rosen, E. and Boulton, M. E. 2003. Localisation of receptors to estradiol, progesterone and androgen in the bovine cornea. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 44(E-Abst)
- Albon, J., Ma, A., Cai, J. and Boulton, M. E. 2003. Localisation of notch and delta in the human cornea [Abstract]. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 44(E-Abst)
- Albon, J., Tullo, A. B., Aktar, S. and Boulton, M. E. 2000. Apoptosis in the endothelium of human corneas for transplantation. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 41(10), pp. 2887-2893.
- Albon, J., Karwatowski, W. S., Easty, D. L., Sims, T. J. and Duance, V. C. 2000. Age related changes in the non-collagenous components of the extracellular matrix of the human lamina cribrosa. British Journal of Ophthalmology 84(3), pp. 311-317. (10.1136/bjo.84.3.311)
- Albon, J., Purslow, P. P., Karwatowski, W. S. and Easty, D. L. 2000. Age related compliance of the lamina cribrosa in human eyes. British Journal of Ophthalmology 84(3), pp. 318-323. (10.1136/bjo.84.3.318)
- Davies, Y., Lewis, D., Fullwood, N. J., Nieduszynski, I. A., Marcyniuk, B., Albon, J. and Tullo, A. 1999. Proteoglycans on normal and migrating human corneal endothelium. Experimental Eye Research 68(3), pp. 303-311. (10.1006/exer.1998.0609)
- Albon, J., Tullo, A. B. and Boulton, M. E. 1997. Apoptosis in the endothelium of organ-cultured human corneas. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 38(4), pp. 3374-3374.
- Karwatowski, W., Jeffries, T., Duance, V., Albon, J., Bailey, A. and Easty, D. 1995. Preparation of Bruch's membrane and analysis of the age-related changes in the structural collagens. British Journal of Ophthalmology 79(10), pp. 944-952. (10.1136/bjo.79.10.944)
- Jeffery, G., Evans, A., Albon, J., Duance, V., Neal, J. and Dawidek, G. 1995. The human optic nerve: fascicular organisation and connective tissue types along the extra-fascicular matrix. Anatomy and Embryology 191(6), pp. 491-502.
- Albon, J., Karwatowski, W., Avery, N., Easty, D. and Duance, V. 1995. Changes in the collagenous matrix of the aging human lamina cribrosa. British Journal of Ophthalmology 79(4), pp. 368-375.
- Albon, J., Purslow, P. P., Duance, V. C., Easty, D. L. and Karwatowski, W. 1994. Mechanical compliance of the aging human lamina-cribrosa [Abstract]. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 35(4), pp. 1645-1645.
Book sections
- Huang, C., Albon, J., V. Ljubimov, A. and Grant, M. B. 2020. Stem cells in the eye. In: Principles of Tissue Engineering Fifth Edition. Elsevier Inc., pp. 1115-1133., (10.1016/B978-0-12-818422-6.00062-9)
- Morgan, J. E., Datta, A. V., Erichsen, J. T., Albon, J. and Boulton, M. E. 2006. Retinal ganglion cell remodelling in experimental glaucoma. In: Hollyfield, J. G., Anderson, R. E. and LaVail, M. M. eds. Retinal Degenerative Diseases. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology Vol. 572. New York: Springer, pp. 397-402.
Conferences
- North, R. V. et al. 2013. Lamina cribrosa pore analysis in glaucomatous human optic nerve heads in vivo. Presented at: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Seattle, WA, USA, 5-9 May 2013.
- Mortlock, K. E. et al. 2012. Three dimensional (3D) segmentation of normal and glaucomatous optic nerve heads in 1050nm optical coherence tomography (OCT) datasets. Presented at: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Fort Lauderdale, FL., USA, 6-9 May 2012.
- Mortlock, K. E. et al. 2010. 1050nm optical coherence tomography of the ageing and glaucomatous optic nerve head. Presented at: EUROMECH Colloquim, Imperial College, London, UK, 26-28 July, 2010.
Research
Throughout my research history I have studied the ageing of ocular tissues using a range of cell biology, biochemical and microscopy and bioimaging techniques. My research to date has focussed on the two opposites ends of the eye: the optic nerve head and the cornea! My PhD, at Bristol University, investigated how the different components (collagen, elastin, proteoglycans) of the human lamina cribrosa extracellular matrix altered with age, and their effect on its biomechanical behaviour. Following my time as a senior clinical scientist working in the Manchester Healthcare NHS Trust Corneal Transplant Service Eye Bank, an interest in the cornea developed. This led to research into the cells and extracellular matrix in corneal wound healing, the potential of organ culture stored corneal donor material for use in epithelial stem cell transplants, and factors involved in epithelial cell homeostasis (including Notch signalling).
My current research continues into the human optic nerve head, in particular the lamina cribrosa and its insertion region into the sclera, with an overall aim to understand how ONH structure and connective tissue micro- and nano-organisation influences a) its biomechanics and b) susceptibility to the development of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. This research involves a number in ex vivo and in vivo techniques to analyse the cells and connective tissue (collagen, elastin (elastic fibres) and proteoglycans), and overall architecture of the 3D optic nerve head (non-linear microscopy: second harmonic generation & two phoron excited fluorescence, spectral imaging, xray microtomography, OCT) in ageing and glaucoma. In addition, we are investigating the regional micro- and nano-organisation of connective tissue fibrils and fibres; collagen and elastin (SAXS, SALS, second harmonic imaging, two photon excited fluorescence) in the ONH, and how they influence the biomechanical behaviour of the human ONH.
We use optical coherence tomography techniques (1050nm, enhanced depth imaging) to generate 3D volumetric datasets of the normal and glaucomatous optic nerve head in vivo in order to characterise ONH parameters, including lamina cribrosa-derived features, that have potential in describing disease stage and/or prediction of glaucomatous optic neuropathy in ONHs at risk. We also evaluate the relationship of ONH features to those in the retina.
The overall aim of my research is to identify changes in the ONH and/or retinal structure that can be used to predict and/or stage the development of open angle glaucoma i.e. to evaluate biomarkers as indicators of disease. This is in conjunction with a long term aim to develop therapies that can be applied at critical times before onset or at early onset of disease in order to prevent retinal ganglion cell axon degeneration and vision loss. In collaboration with Professor Dave Marshall in the School of Computer Sciences and Informatics (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/118142-marshall-david), we are probing human ONH image datasets using machine learning and feature extraction techniques to detect differences between glaucomatous and healthy ONHs as a prerequisite to predict disease.
This research is underpinned by a multidisciplinary team of investigators within different Schools across Cardiff University including Professors Rachel North (OPTOM), James Morgan, Vic Duance (BIOSCI), Keith Meek (OPTOM), Phil Stephens (DENTL), and Dave Marshall (COMPSCI), and Dr Craig Boote (OPTOM). Nick White and James Fergusson of the Vision Science Bioimaging Laboratories (VSBL) have also been instrumental in this work, as are our external collaborators that have included Professor C. Ross Ethier (Wallace H. Coulter, Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University School of Medicine London & Georgia Institute of Technology, US); Professor Mike Fautsch (Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Rochester, US), Dr Michael Girard (Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore), Dr Tegwin Malik (Swansea University) and Professor Andrew Parker (Oxford University and Lifescaped) and Dr. Enyam Morny (University of Cape Coast, Ghana).
Current and past research funding includes:
J Albon, R Bartlett, RV North, JE Morgan, D Marshall. A multidisciplinary approach to early detection and staging disease in glaucoma, 2020-2022, Wellcome Trust ISSF3 Award.
Albon J, Meek KM, White N (2020) Characterisation of the 3D microstructure of the ostracod carapace: why is it transparent? Ptychography beamtime allocation (72 hours, ~£100,000) at Diamond synchrotron I3-1 coherence, Apr 2021.
L Terry, T Redmond, J Albon with EK Morny (University of Cape Coast, Ghana). Challenging blindness in Sub-Saharan Africa: the Ghana Glaucoma Study pilot, 2019-2020, Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF).
J Albon with N. White, RV North, JE Morgan. Health Studentship Award, Health and Care Research Wales/ Welsh Government. Optic nerve microstructure: a significant indicator of disease severity, £65408, 2017- 2020.
Meek KM, Albon J. Ostracod carapace as a novel transparent material, DSTL, £828,093, 2016-2019.
Albon J, Paletto L, White N (2018) Optic nerve head pore parameters as a predictor of glaucoma eye disease – how does pore size relate to nerve axon content? Microtomography beamtime allocation 48 hours, £35168) at Diamond synchrotron I3-2; includes subsistence, travel and accommodation, July 2018
Morgan S, Albon J, White N, Meek KMM (2018) Characterisation of ostracod carapace microstructure: why is it tough and transparent? Beamtime allocation (72 hours, £46557) on I18: Microfocus spectroscopy, includes subsistence, travel and accommodation, Apr-May 2018.
Albon J, Meek KM, White N (2018) Characterisation of the 3D nanostructure of the ostracod carapace: why is it transparent? Part 2: beamtime allocation (96 hours, £100480) at Diamond synchrotron I3-1; ptychography; includes subsistence, travel and accommodation, Apr 2019.
Albon J, Duance VC. Connective tissue microstructure as a bioindicator for optic nerves at risk of developing disease. Bioscience PhD Scheme 50:50 with OPTOM, £72,000, 2015-2018.
Stephens P, Corteling R, Albon J, Clayton A. Exosomes for anti-scarring therapy DENTL studentship/ReNeuron Oct 2015-Sept 2018; £100,000 (£50,000).
Albon J, Meek KM, Boote C. (2017) Do changes in collagen and elastin as a function of age within optic nerve heads alter such that their response to strain impacts on their susceptibility to glaucomatous optic neuropathy? Beamtime allocation (48hours, Feb 2018; £31038) at Diamond synchrotron I22; includes subsistence, travel and accommodation.
Albon J, Meek KM, White N (2017) Characterisation of the 3D microstructure of the ostracod carapace: why is it transparent? Part 1: Beamtime allocation (72 hours, £129325) at Diamond synchrotron I3-1; ptychography & i13-2; microtomography, includes subsistence, travel and accommodation, Sept 2017
Regini JR, Albon J, Meek KM (2017) Measuring ultrastructural changes in porcine lens before and after the accommodation process using SAXS. Beamtime allocation (48hours, £31038) at Diamond synchrotron I22; includes subsistence, travel and accommodation, Oct 2017.
Albon J, Meek KM, Boote C. (2015) Connective tissue nanostructure in the human optic nerve head: is collagen structure different in the young optic nerve head compared to aged optic nerves, such that biomechanical behaviour favours support and preservation of nerve axons? Beamtime allocation (48hours, £36090) at Diamond synchrotron I22; includes subsistence, travel and accommodation, June 2016.
Albon J. Lamina cribrosa micro-regions as predictors of glaucomatous optic neuropathy, Cardiff University Research Leave Fellowship, £15,000, Sept 2015-Aug 2016.
Abel R, Ethier CR, Albon J (2014) Structural and mechanical basis of glaucoma: the silent thief of sight. STFC funds for travel, Diamond synchrotron beam time (72 hours) allocation of Xray microtomography) on I12; includes subsistence, travel and accommodation, May 2015.
Albon J, Boote J, Meek K. (2014) Connective tissue in the human optic nerve head: does collagen structure change as a function of age and therefore increase an optic nerves susceptibility to develop glaucoma. Beamtime allocation (48 hours, £36,132) on Diamond synchrotron i22; includes subsistence, travel and accommodation, Mar 2015
Albon J, North RV, White, N, Morgan JE. Focal lamina cribrosa micro-regions: biomarkers for glaucomatous optic neuropathy? Fight For Sight, Jan-Dec 2015, £15,000.
Albon J, Meek KM. Stem cell therapy in corneal wound repair. CITER student bursary, July-Aug 2015, £1800.
Albon J, North RV, Morgan JE. The use of 1050nm OCT to identify changes of optic nerve head pathophysiology in glaucoma, College of Optometrists, £52,688, 2011-2014.
Albon J, White N, North RV (Aug-Sept 2014) Identification of pathophysiology ‘hot spots’ in the glaucomatous optic nerve head, College of Optometrists Summer Scholarship, £2,000
Albon J, North RV. Retinal layer analysis as an indicator of early glaucomatous damage, CUROP, £1400, 2013.
Albon J, Duance VC, £5000, 3D reconstruction of the Human Optic Nerve Head, Thermofisher Inspire Award, 2013.
Albon J, North RV, Morgan JE. Disks at Risk. American Health Assistance Foundation (now the Brightfocus Foundation), $100,000, 2011-2013
Albon J, Boote J, Meek K Connective tissue in the ageing human optic nerve head: how does spatial distribution influence its ability to support nerve fibres that pass through it and susceptibility to develop glaucoma. Beamtime allocation (48 hours, £36,900) on Diamond synchrotron I22; includes subsistence, travel and accommodation, Aug 2013.
Albon J, Boote J, Meek K. (2011) Connective tissue in the human optic nerve head: does regional variation influence its ability to support nerve fibres that pass through it and susceptibility to develop glaucoma? Beamtime allocation (48 hours, £39,035) on Diamond synchrotron I22; includes subsistence, travel and accommodation, Mar 2012.
Albon J, Boote C, Meek K, (2011) How does connective tissue in the human optic nerve head influence its ability to support nerve fibres that pass through it and susceptibility to develop glaucoma? Part 2 Beamtime allocation (48 hours, £43,489) on Diamond synchrotron i22 microfocus; includes subsistence, travel and accommodation, Aug 2011.
Albon J, Meek K, Boote C, White N. What age-related parameters make an optic nerve head more susceptible to axonal loss and potential blindness? BBSRC DTG studentship, £50,000, 2009-2013.
Quantock AJ and co-applicants including Albon J, £212,040 BBSRC Doctoral Training Grant, 2009-16.
Albon J, Boote J, Meek K. Changes to the connective tissue architecture of the human optic nerve head with age, and their relationship to glaucoma development. STFC funds ( ~ £43,000) for travel, 2 days subsistence, accommodation and SAXS beam time at Diamond, Aug 2011,
Albon J, North RV, Drexler W, Morgan JE, £15,000, Optic nerve head changes in the progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy using 1mm OCT, Hirsch and Fight for Sight Award, 2010-11.
Morgan JE, Tudor D, Albon J, £49,918, Perineuronal net (PNN) digestion as a therapy for the restoration of retinal ganglion cell structure in glaucoma. National Eye Research Centre, 2010-11.
Morgan JE, Albon J, £49,911, Characterisation of the perineuronal net (PNN) in the glaucomatous human retina: the identification of targets for PNN digestion as a potential therapy for the restoration of retinal ganglion cell structure in glaucoma, International Glaucoma Association, 2010-11.
Albon J, Boote C, Meek K. (2009) How does connective tissue in the human optic nerve head influence its ability to support nerve fibres that pass through it and susceptibility to develop glaucoma? Part 1 Beam time allocation (48 hours, ~ £40,000) at Diamond synchrotron on I22 microfocus; includes travel, subsistence and accommodation, Dec 2010
Wride MA, Morgan JE, Albon J, The role of inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs) and caspases in retinal ganglion cell death and dendrite remodelling. National Eye Research Centre, £49,918, 2007-2010.
North R, Albon J, Drexler W, Three dimensional imaging of the ageing and glaucomatous optic nerve head: risk factors for the development of open-angle glaucoma. UK&Eire Glaucoma Society and International Glaucoma Association, £20,000, 2008-09.
Albon J, Wride MA, Boulton ME. Identification of candidate genes critical to epithelial cell patterning and differentiation during corneal development, National Eye Research Centre, £49,800, 2005-08.
Quantock AJ and co-applicants (including Albon J), BBSRC Doctoral Training Grant, £212,040; 2004-2009.
Albon J, Armitage WJ, Boulton ME. The regulation of epithelial homeostasis in transplantable corneas. National Eye Research Centre. Oct 01-Sept 04; £49,899.
Current Postgraduate Student
(anticipated completion year):
| Mukhit Kulmaganbetov | PhD | 2021 |
|---|
Past Postgraduate Students (and year submitted):
| Ryan Bartlett | PhD |
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Rumney | PhD | 2021 | |
| Xenia Mathes | MSc | 2020 | |
| Laura Paletto | PhD | 2019 | |
| Robert Knight | PhD | 2019 | |
| Saleha Al-Atawi | PhD | 2019 | |
| Camilla Phillips | PhD | 2018 | |
| Bethany Frost | PhD | 2015 | |
| Daniela Nosch | PhD | 2015 | |
| Stefan Bandlitz | PhD | 2015 | |
| Hannah Jones | PhD | 2014 | |
| Paulina Samsel | PhD | 2010 | |
| Lilian Kisiswa | PhD | 2010 | |
| Magdalena Nowak-Musial | PhD | 2009 | |
| Bablin Molik | PhD | 2007 | |
| Aihua Ma | PhD | 2006 | |
| Andreas Ballis | PhD | 2006 | |
| Jila Soltaninia | PhD | 2005 | |
| Sarah Farrant | PhD | 2005 |
Teaching
Undergraduate Teaching
I have been a Module leader for 3 modules: Second year modules; Diagnostic Techniques and Pathology (2002-2005) and Optometric Science Practicals (2001-2005) and first year module; Cells to Systems (2004-present) in the BSc Optometry and Vision Sciences.
In Cells to System module, I provide lectures on cells, body systems and pathology, and also organise and supervise laboratory practical sessions and tutorials on adult stem cells, ageing, ocular pathology and wound healing.
Postgraduate
I have supervised/co-supervised 18 PhD students to successful award of PhD, and supervise WOPEC MSc Research Projects. I have examined a number of yearly continuation reports, examined a number of PhD students as an internal examiner, chaired PhD vivas and examined MSc thesis for UCL, Dublin, Ireland and PhD thesis for the University of Birmingham.
Biography
Education
I undertook a BSc in Applied Biological Sciences at Bristol Polytechnic between 1985-1989. In the third year of this degree I worked in the Corneal Transplant Service Bristol Eye Bank at the University of Bristol, where I became aware of procedures associated with corneal donation and procurement, and learned how to organ culture donor human corneas in preparation for corneal transplantation.
This triggered my interest in ocular research and in 1989, I became a Research Assistant at the Department of Opthalmology in the Bristol University, working with Professor David Easty, Dr Wojciech Karwatowski, Dr Tracy Jeffries and Professor Vic Duance to investigate collagen and cross-linking in the ageing Bruch's membrane. This then led to me undertaking a PhD Investigation (1990-1995) into the age-related changes in the extracellular matrix of the human lamina cribrosa with Dr Wojciech Karwatowski and Professor Vic Duance in a collaborative project between Ophthamology and the Collagen Research Group based in Langford.
Following my PhD, I worked at the Manchester Eye Bank within the Manchester NHS Healthcare Trust as a Senior Clinical Scientist from 1995-1999, and was an Honorary Lecturer in Ophthamology at Manchester University. Here I began undertaking research related to corneas stored for transplantation and developed an interest in stem cell biology.
In March 1999, I returned to full-time research, working as Research Associate with Professor Mike Boulton within the School of Optometry & Vision Sciences at Cardiff University, and became a Lecturer and later a Senior Lecturer in 2016. In Cardiff, I continued investigations into corneal stem cells and matrix in wound healing, whilst also developing my PhD interests in matrix biology and bioindicators of optic nerve head susceptibility to the development of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
Honours and awards
Outstanding Contribution Award, 2016
Cardiff University Research Fellowship, 2015-2016
Professional memberships
- Member of Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair (2001-present)
- Member of the British Society of Matrix Biology (1992-present)
- Member of the UK and Eire Glaucoma Society (2010-present)
- Member of European Biomechanics Society
- Member of the Association for Research and Vision Sciences and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
Academic positions
- 2016 - present Senior Lecturer, Cardiff University
- 2000 - 2016 Lecturer, Cardiff University
- 2015 - 2016 Cardiff University Research Fellowship
- 1999 - 2000 Post-doctoral Research Associate, Cardiff University
- 1995 - 1999 Senior Clinical Scientist, Eye Bank, Manchester Healthcare Trust (Honorary Lecturer, Department of Ophthalmology, Manchester University)
Committees and reviewing
University committees:
- Cardiff University Genetic Modification Safety Committee (2010-present)
- University Human Tissue Research Governance Committee (2020-present)
- CITER Engagement Committee (2016-2017)
- Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair Research Committee (2010-2013)
- International Student Working Group (2013-2014)
- Reviewer of human tissue research applications for Cardiff University Biobank (2020-present)
Within the School of Optometry & Vision Sciences:
- Deputy Director of Research (2018-present)
- Deputy/Acting Impact Lead (2016-present)
- Member of Research committee (2012-present)
- Reviewer of human tissue research applications for the Research Ethics Audit committee (present)
- Viva Scientia Bioimaging Laboratories (VSBL) OPTOM Lead
- Member of Research Ethics Audit committee (2008-2020; Chair (2012-2015) and Deputy Chair (2016-2019)
- Member of Postgraduate Student Staff panel (2014-2015;2016-2017)
- Member of postgraduate committee (2003-2008; 2012-2015)
- Member of teaching and learning committee (2011-2013)
- Member of Safety Committee and Biological Safety Officer (2000-2014)
- BSc Board of studies
- MSc Board of Studies
- Erasmus Co-ordinator (2010-2015)
I have reviewed manuscripts for a number of journals:
- Investigative Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences
- PLOS One
- Acta Biomaterialia
- Experimental Eye Research
- British Journal of Opthalmology
- Journal of the Royal Society Interface
- IEEE Transactions in Medical Imaging
- Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery
- Graefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
- JSM Ophthalmology
Reviewed grant applications including for Fight for Sight, National Eye Research Centre and Moorfield's Scientifc Advisory Panel.
Supervisions
I have successfully supervised 18 PhD students, all of whom have successfully completed their submissions and passed. Students interested in doing PhDs within the group should have an interest in the areas of:
- Optic nerve head imaging and image feature analyses
- Elastin in the ageing and disease
- Collagen in the ageing and disease
- Connective tissue micromechanics
- Connective tissue and biomechanical properties
Contact Details
+44 29208 75427
Optometry and Vision Sciences, Room Room 2.29, Maindy Road, Maindy Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ