DR. ROBERT DANIEL MASTEY, MD

CHATTANOOGA, TN

Research Active
Surgery - Surgery of the Hand NPI registered 21+ years 1 publication 2021 – 2021 NPI: 1689670952
Surgery - Surgery of the Hand Orthopaedic Surgery - Hand Surgery
Gene ExpressionHEK293 CellsOrganoidsRetinal Cone Photoreceptor CellsInduced Pluripotent Stem CellsRetinaVision, OcularActivating Transcription Factor 6Color Vision DefectsCone Opsins

Practice Location

2415 MCCALLIE AVE
CHATTANOOGA, TN 37404-3322

Phone: (423) 624-2696

What does ROBERT MASTEY research?

Dr. Mastey's research centers on understanding how specific proteins, especially ATF6, contribute to the growth and development of cone cells in the retina. Cone cells are crucial for our ability to see colors and fine detail. In his work, he uses stem cells from patients suffering from achromatopsia, a genetic condition that leads to significant vision impairment due to the absence of these color-sensitive cells. By investigating how these cells form and exploring the effects of certain drugs on their development, he aims to uncover new treatment options that could improve vision in individuals affected by this and similar conditions.

Key findings

  • ATF6 is essential for the normal development of cone photoreceptors; without it, these cells cannot form properly.
  • Mini-retinas created from stem cells of achromatopsia patients exhibited a failure to develop cone structures, while rod cells (which allow vision in low light) developed normally.
  • Application of a specific drug in the study significantly enhanced the activity of ATF6, leading to improved growth of the cone cells.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Mastey study vision loss?
Yes, Dr. Mastey studies the mechanisms behind vision loss, particularly in patients with conditions like achromatopsia.
What treatments has Dr. Mastey researched?
Dr. Mastey has researched the use of drugs that boost the activity of ATF6 to promote the development of cone cells, aiming to offer potential treatments for vision disorders.
Is Dr. Mastey's work relevant to patients with color blindness?
Yes, his work is particularly relevant as it investigates the underlying causes of conditions that lead to severe color vision problems, including achromatopsia.

Publications in plain English

ATF6 is essential for human cone photoreceptor development.

2021

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Kroeger H, Grandjean JMD, Chiang WJ, Bindels DD, Mastey R +9 more

Plain English
This study examined the role of a protein called ATF6 in the development of cone cells in the retina, which are important for color vision. Researchers created mini-retinas from stem cells of patients with achromatopsia, a condition causing severe vision loss, and found that these cells failed to develop cone structures, while other cells (rods) developed normally. The study found that a special drug can boost the activity of ATF6 and help cone cells grow better, suggesting a potential treatment path for vision loss in these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with achromatopsia and other similar vision disorders.

PubMed

Frequent Co-Authors

Heike Kroeger Julia M D Grandjean Wei-Chieh Jerry Chiang Daphne D Bindels Jennifer Okalova Amanda Nguyen Evan T Powers Jeffery W Kelly Neil J Grimsey Michel Michaelides

Physician data sourced from the NPPES NPI Registry . Publication data from PubMed . Plain-English summaries generated by AI. Not medical advice.