Maria Toms

Dr. Maria Toms


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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23 December 2024 in Antioxidants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CMCécile Méjécase
Cécile Méjécase
NNNeelima Nair
Neelima Nair
HSHajrah Sarkar
Hajrah Sarkar
PSPABLO SORO-BARRIO
PABLO SORO-BARRIO
MTMaria Toms
Maria Toms
Mariya MoosajeeMariya Moosajee
Mariya Moosajee
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the retina play a key role in maintaining function and cell survival. However, excessive ROS can lead to oxidative stress, inducing dysregulation of metabolic and inflammatory pathways. The chmru848 zebrafish models choroideremia (CHM), an X-linked chorioretinal dystrophy, which predominantly affects the photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and choroid. In this study, we examined the transcriptomic signature of the chmru848 zebrafish retina to reveal the upregulation of cytokine pathways and glia migration, upregulation of oxidative, ER stress and apoptosis markers, and the dysregulation of glucose metabolism with the downregulation of glycolysis and the upregulation of the oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway. Glucose uptake was impaired in the chmru848 retina using the 2-NBDG glucose uptake assay. Following the overexpression of human PFKM, partial rescue was seen with the preservation of photoreceptors and RPE and increased glucose uptake, but without modifying glycolysis and oxidative stress markers. Therapies targeting glucose metabolism in CHM may represent a potential remedial approach.