Beth Berger
Office phone
313-577-0286Biography
The Berger laboratory investigates the mechanisms that underlie corneal disease, inflammation, and repair, with the goal of developing novel peptide-based therapies to restore ocular health. This research bridges basic and translational science, focusing on how immune, metabolic, and neuroendocrine pathways influence wound healing and infection outcomes in the eye. Current projects span multiple models of ocular pathology. The lab studies diabetes-induced corneal complications, exploring combination therapies using thymosin β4 (Tβ4) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) to promote healing and prevent tissue damage - an approach that has led to a preliminary patent application. Other studies examine the role of eosinophils in microbial keratitis, the synergistic antibacterial and regenerative effects of Tβ4 in both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus infections, and the impact of aging, exercise, and metabolic syndrome on ocular integrity using unique high- and low-capacity runner (HCR/LCR) animal models. Together, these efforts aim to uncover new therapeutic targets that reduce inflammation, enhance repair, and preserve vision.
Dr. Berger is also deeply engaged in teaching, mentorship, and academic leadership within the Wayne State University School of Medicine. She teaches Gross Anatomy in the M1 curriculum, is course director of Mechanisms of Ocular Disease I/II (ANA 7065/ANA 7075), contributes to Biology of the Eye (ANA 6050/7055, PYC 7050, BIO 6055/7055), and facilitates Problem-Based Learning (PBL) sessions, the First Patient Project, and the M1/M2 Research Elective. In addition, she serves as Director of the MS Program in Anatomy & Cell Biology, Co-Director of the MD/MS Fraser Vision Scholar Program, and Director of the Departmental Seminar Series, advancing graduate education, scientific collaboration, and faculty engagement.
Her laboratory provides research training opportunities for undergraduate and medical students, including participants in the Department of Ophthalmology’s Summer Internship Program. The lab is particularly interested in students who are able to commit 1+ years of research. If you have interest in joining the Berger lab, please contact Dr. Berger by email.
Faculty appointments
- Associate Professor (2020 – present) – Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
- Assistant Professor (2013 – 2020) – Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
- Adjunct Faculty (2012 – 2014) – Department of Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Detroit, MI
- Research Assistant Professor (2010 – 2013) – Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Research
Research Support
- NIH grants R01EY035494 and R01EY036697, Research to Prevent Blindness Unrestricted and Eversight Eye Bank Grants