Hereditary Genetics: Current Research

Steven Fliesler J

Steven Fliesler J
Professor, Buffalo VA Medical Center
USA

Biography

STEVEN J.FLIESLER Dr. Steven J. Fliesler is the Meyer H. Riwchun Endowed Chair Professor of Ophthalmology and Vice-Chairman and Director of Research in the Department of Ophthalmology, University at Buffalo/The State University of New York (SUNY-UB). He concurrently holds a Research Health Scientist staff position at the Buffalo VA Medical Center (Veterans Administration Western New York Healthcare System). Dr. Fliesler obtained a B.A. in Biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Rice University (Houston, TX). Following postdoctoral research in retinal biochemistry and cell biology at the Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, he subsequently held faculty positions at Baylor College of Medicine (1984-85), the University of Miami School of Medicine (1985-88; Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology) and Saint Louis University School of Medicine (1988-2008; Departments of Ophthalmology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacological & Physiological Science) prior to moving to Buffalo in July, 2008. He is the author of approximately 100 peer-reviewed research publications, in addition to 14 review articles and book chapters, >165 abstracts, and has edited two books, with primary focus on lipid metabolism (particularly cholesterol) in the retina and animal models of hereditary human retinal degenerations. Dr. Fliesler’s research has been funded for more than 30 years, included grants from the NIH, March of Dimes, the Foundation Fighting Blindness, and Research to Prevent Blindness.

Research Interest

Dr. Fliesler’s primary research focus concerns the role of lipid metabolism (particularly cholesterol) in the normal biology and pathobiology of the retina, and animal models of hereditary human retinal degenerations. He also has a longstanding interest in membrane structure and function, intracellular trafficking, and glycobiology.