Andy J. Fischer

Andy J. Fischer's research investigates how the retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye, can regenerate damaged neurons using support cells called Müller glia, which in some animals (like chickens and zebrafish) can reprogram into progenitor-like cells that make new neurons. The lab studies the signaling pathways (such as NF-κB, cannabinoid, retinoic acid, and Jak/Stat pathways) and immune/glial responses that control whether this regenerative process happens, comparing species that regenerate well (birds, fish) to mammals that largely do not. This work aims to identify molecular targets that might eventually help restore vision after retinal injury or disease.

Publication output has grown over the past decade, rising from single-digit yearly counts in the late 2010s to a sustained higher level of 7-9 papers per year in 2023-2025.

Generated by claude-sonnet-5 from public bibliographic data · Jul 20, 2026