Levi Todd
@levi-todd.bsky.social
Asst prof @ SUNY Upstate trying to regrow neurons
Toddlab.org
Toddlab.org
Pinned
Levi Todd
@levi-todd.bsky.social
· Nov 13
First paper from our lab officially out.
And they let us put Muller glia, the indisputably most interesting cell in the body on the cover.
www.jneurosci.org/content/44/4...
And they let us put Muller glia, the indisputably most interesting cell in the body on the cover.
www.jneurosci.org/content/44/4...
Reposted by Levi Todd
🧬👁️ Our Science Advances paper is published! snATAC-seq analysis across lamprey to human retina uncovers deeply conserved cis-regulatory codes in all six retinal cell types — even with extensive enhancer turnover. Immensely grateful to my coauthors and collaborators. 🙏 www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Conservation of cis-regulatory codes over half a billion years of evolution
The regulatory codes controlling vertebrate retinal gene expression have been conserved over more than half a billion years.
www.science.org
December 16, 2025 at 2:17 PM
🧬👁️ Our Science Advances paper is published! snATAC-seq analysis across lamprey to human retina uncovers deeply conserved cis-regulatory codes in all six retinal cell types — even with extensive enhancer turnover. Immensely grateful to my coauthors and collaborators. 🙏 www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Reposted by Levi Todd
Excited to announce that the newest paper from my lab on the Drosophila visual system is out today!
Modulating the levels and activity of the retinal determination network is sufficient to induce the specification of distinct tissue fates in Drosophila url: journals.biologists.com/dev/article-...
Modulating the levels and activity of the retinal determination network is sufficient to induce the specification of distinct tissue fates in Drosophila url: journals.biologists.com/dev/article-...
Modulating the levels and activity of the retinal determination network is sufficient to induce the specification of distinct tissue fates in Drosophila
Summary: Modulation of members of the retinal determination gene regulatory network and their co-factors in Drosophila eyes reveals that differential expression of transcription factors is sufficient ...
journals.biologists.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:56 AM
Excited to announce that the newest paper from my lab on the Drosophila visual system is out today!
Modulating the levels and activity of the retinal determination network is sufficient to induce the specification of distinct tissue fates in Drosophila url: journals.biologists.com/dev/article-...
Modulating the levels and activity of the retinal determination network is sufficient to induce the specification of distinct tissue fates in Drosophila url: journals.biologists.com/dev/article-...
Reposted by Levi Todd
Just a heads up: I just got a phishing attempt pretending to be from the #VisualSystemDevelopment #GRC. It looked pretty convincing at first glance, so be careful!
November 27, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Just a heads up: I just got a phishing attempt pretending to be from the #VisualSystemDevelopment #GRC. It looked pretty convincing at first glance, so be careful!
Reposted by Levi Todd
Our latest paper is out! While the circadian photoentrainment circuit has been extensively studied, the mechanisms regulating its development remain poorly understood. Here we show that retinal Müller glia play a key role in this process. Check it out! www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Retinal glia regulate development of the circadian photoentrainment circuit
Circadian photoentrainment depends on intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which convey environmental light information to th…
www.sciencedirect.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Our latest paper is out! While the circadian photoentrainment circuit has been extensively studied, the mechanisms regulating its development remain poorly understood. Here we show that retinal Müller glia play a key role in this process. Check it out! www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Levi Todd
That merely being “under review” by a Nature family journal is offered as a quality proxy for a paper is a tragic illustration of the extent to which academia is addicted to brands and outsources evaluation
October 25, 2025 at 6:37 PM
That merely being “under review” by a Nature family journal is offered as a quality proxy for a paper is a tragic illustration of the extent to which academia is addicted to brands and outsources evaluation
Reposted by Levi Todd
Turquoise killifish naturally develop hallmarks of age-related macular degeneration with advancing age https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.23.683644v1
October 24, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Turquoise killifish naturally develop hallmarks of age-related macular degeneration with advancing age https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.23.683644v1
Reposted by Levi Todd
Reposted by Levi Todd
Excited to share my PhD work! We characterize waves of cell death during human retinal development, and show how blocking apoptosis promotes RGC long-term survival and alters their developmental dynamics in organoids. These findings will improve future organoid design for retinal disease modeling‼️
Check this paper from @simonomisz.bsky.social in our lab!
www.biorxiv.org/cgi/content/...
Human retinas/organoids go through 2 apoptotic waves. Organoids also have a necrotic wave. Blocking apoptosis promotes RGC survival to day 200 (usually die!). Apoptosis promotes normal neurogenesis/maturation.
www.biorxiv.org/cgi/content/...
Human retinas/organoids go through 2 apoptotic waves. Organoids also have a necrotic wave. Blocking apoptosis promotes RGC survival to day 200 (usually die!). Apoptosis promotes normal neurogenesis/maturation.
Blocking apoptosis promotes survival and alters developmental dynamics of human retinal ganglion cells in retinal organoids
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the projection neurons that transmit visual information from the retina to the brain. In many species, a substantial proportion of RGCs are eliminated by programmed c...
www.biorxiv.org
September 30, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Excited to share my PhD work! We characterize waves of cell death during human retinal development, and show how blocking apoptosis promotes RGC long-term survival and alters their developmental dynamics in organoids. These findings will improve future organoid design for retinal disease modeling‼️
Reposted by Levi Todd
🎉 New preprints from the lab! (1) www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Novel Roles of Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Retinal Patterning and Neurogenesis During Mammalian Eye Development
The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is essential for the patterning, growth, and morphogenesis of many tissues. During early eye development, Shh is critical for the formation of the two optic ...
www.biorxiv.org
September 17, 2025 at 1:43 AM
🎉 New preprints from the lab! (1) www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Levi Todd
New preprints from the lab!! (2)
Uncoupling Neocortical Neuron Fate and Migration via a Let-7-RBX2 Axis https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.11.675676v1
September 17, 2025 at 1:49 AM
New preprints from the lab!! (2)
Reposted by Levi Todd
A big thanks to the NEI for supporting my new R01 and MCW for highlighting the research focus. We’ve already made some interesting discoveries and I’m excited to see how the research progresses for years to come. www.mcw.edu/mcwknowledge...
Preventing Blindness by Untangling the Genetic Network of Vision Neurons
Dr. Joel Miesfeld’s lab studies the mechanisms behind retinal ganglion cells to better understand vision development.
www.mcw.edu
September 16, 2025 at 2:05 PM
A big thanks to the NEI for supporting my new R01 and MCW for highlighting the research focus. We’ve already made some interesting discoveries and I’m excited to see how the research progresses for years to come. www.mcw.edu/mcwknowledge...
Reposted by Levi Todd
Our latest manuscript is out, and this one tackles the problem of cellular aging in the retina, using comparative multiomic analysis of zebrafish, mouse, and humans. What led us to work on aging after studying development and regeneration? Explainer follows./1
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Comparative single-cell multiomic analysis reveals evolutionarily conserved and species-specific cellular mechanisms mediating natural retinal aging.
Biological age is a major risk factor in the development of common degenerative retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. To systematically characterize molecular mechani...
www.biorxiv.org
September 12, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Our latest manuscript is out, and this one tackles the problem of cellular aging in the retina, using comparative multiomic analysis of zebrafish, mouse, and humans. What led us to work on aging after studying development and regeneration? Explainer follows./1
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Levi Todd
Preprint! We localized polySia in the retina of 8 vertebrates, 2 cephalopods, human, and organoids. We determined that polySia is a useful surrogate marker for Müller glia, and that polySia distribution in fish Müller glia differs from all other vertebrates. 👀🧪
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Polysialic acid is a versatile marker for retinal Müller glia in common vertebrate model organisms and systems
Müller glia are retinal support cells that play crucial roles in tissue structure, waste management, and repair. A challenge for the field has been to find Müller glia markers that detect non-reactive...
www.biorxiv.org
September 5, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Preprint! We localized polySia in the retina of 8 vertebrates, 2 cephalopods, human, and organoids. We determined that polySia is a useful surrogate marker for Müller glia, and that polySia distribution in fish Müller glia differs from all other vertebrates. 👀🧪
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Levi Todd
"Pat, why do you carry that ridiculous 600mm lens on long hikes?"
Buddy, I can see mountains reflected in the eyes of a trailside pika.
Buddy, I can see mountains reflected in the eyes of a trailside pika.
August 28, 2025 at 4:18 PM
"Pat, why do you carry that ridiculous 600mm lens on long hikes?"
Buddy, I can see mountains reflected in the eyes of a trailside pika.
Buddy, I can see mountains reflected in the eyes of a trailside pika.
Reposted by Levi Todd
Excited to share this study! We created a developmental atlas of the anterior segment of the eye and provide crucial molecular information that guides the development of Schlemm’s canal and trabecular meshwork cell subtypes. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Single-Cell Characterization of Anterior Segment Development: Cell Types, Pathways, and Signals Driving Formation of the Trabecular Meshwork and Schlemm's Canal
Morphogenesis of the anterior segment (AS) is crucial for healthy ocular physiology and vision but is only partially understood. The Schlemm's canal (SC) and trabecular meshwork (TM) are essential dra...
www.biorxiv.org
August 22, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Excited to share this study! We created a developmental atlas of the anterior segment of the eye and provide crucial molecular information that guides the development of Schlemm’s canal and trabecular meshwork cell subtypes. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Levi Todd
Our work on the TET enzymes in retinal development is out. We identified that rod fate is inhibited when DNA demethylation is prevented by removal of the TET enzymes. Interestingly, photoreceptor numbers are normal. We utilized WGBS and bACE-seq to profile the precise localization of 5mC and 5hmC,…
TET enzymes remove #DNAmethylation markers; @ismaelhdeznunez.bsky.social @clark-lab-retina.bsky.social &co show that these enzymes are required for #photoreceptor cells to initiate the genetic program to become rods instead of cones, & for maturation of the #retina @plosbiology.org 🧪 plos.io/3UaVBfl
August 6, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Our work on the TET enzymes in retinal development is out. We identified that rod fate is inhibited when DNA demethylation is prevented by removal of the TET enzymes. Interestingly, photoreceptor numbers are normal. We utilized WGBS and bACE-seq to profile the precise localization of 5mC and 5hmC,…
Reposted by Levi Todd
My lab's newest research paper on the Drosophila eye is published in Development today. Thanks to the editorial staff for writing a research highlight and interviewing us about our work.
journals.biologists.com/dev/article-...
journals.biologists.com/dev/article-...
Differential regulation of eye specification in Drosophila by Polycomb Group epigenetic repressors
Highlighted Article: Distinct gene sets are differentially expressed in response to the knockdown of Polycomb Group (PcG) members, suggesting that multiple avenues may exist for the eye to be transfor...
journals.biologists.com
August 5, 2025 at 7:50 PM
My lab's newest research paper on the Drosophila eye is published in Development today. Thanks to the editorial staff for writing a research highlight and interviewing us about our work.
journals.biologists.com/dev/article-...
journals.biologists.com/dev/article-...
Reposted by Levi Todd
Paper alert! With co-first authors Nick Tolman and @taiboli.bsky.social , we profile trabecular meshwork cells using single-cell RNA + ATAC seq, identify mitochondrial dysfunction in an early-onset glaucoma model, and use Vitamin B3 to protect against nerve damage.
elifesciences.org/reviewed-pre...
elifesciences.org/reviewed-pre...
Single-cell profiling of trabecular meshwork identifies mitochondrial dysfunction in a glaucoma model that is protected by vitamin B3 treatment
elifesciences.org
July 29, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Paper alert! With co-first authors Nick Tolman and @taiboli.bsky.social , we profile trabecular meshwork cells using single-cell RNA + ATAC seq, identify mitochondrial dysfunction in an early-onset glaucoma model, and use Vitamin B3 to protect against nerve damage.
elifesciences.org/reviewed-pre...
elifesciences.org/reviewed-pre...
Reposted by Levi Todd
Hi all, we got a grant for a cool project that will follow up of our paper published a few months ago (see below). We will explore how light acts as a morphogen to instruct PCP. If you are looking for a postdoc position and interested in this topic, please reach out!
ICYMI our latest paper is now out officially in print (is there still such thing?). And since Dev Cell @cellpress.bsky.social did not select our submission for cover, I post it here. A really cool illustration from my son Zack. www.cell.com/developmenta...
July 25, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Hi all, we got a grant for a cool project that will follow up of our paper published a few months ago (see below). We will explore how light acts as a morphogen to instruct PCP. If you are looking for a postdoc position and interested in this topic, please reach out!
Reposted by Levi Todd
We recently wrote a review about neuroimmune interactions in retinal repair. We dive into the literature regarding immune influences in Muller glia reprogramming, cell transplantation, and axon regeneration. Hopefully its useful, free link: authors.elsevier.com/a/1k-FL4pAsj...
May 11, 2025 at 5:06 PM
We recently wrote a review about neuroimmune interactions in retinal repair. We dive into the literature regarding immune influences in Muller glia reprogramming, cell transplantation, and axon regeneration. Hopefully its useful, free link: authors.elsevier.com/a/1k-FL4pAsj...
We recently wrote a review about neuroimmune interactions in retinal repair. We dive into the literature regarding immune influences in Muller glia reprogramming, cell transplantation, and axon regeneration. Hopefully its useful, free link: authors.elsevier.com/a/1k-FL4pAsj...
May 11, 2025 at 5:06 PM
We recently wrote a review about neuroimmune interactions in retinal repair. We dive into the literature regarding immune influences in Muller glia reprogramming, cell transplantation, and axon regeneration. Hopefully its useful, free link: authors.elsevier.com/a/1k-FL4pAsj...
Reposted by Levi Todd
So you want to study the optic nerve head. You’re thinking a Pax2-Cre driver should work, right? Well, think again: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40300047/
Excluding the Genomic Location of Pax2 Regulatory Elements for the Developing Mouse Eye - PubMed
The Pax2 transcription factor is activated uniformly in the optic vesicle/cup, but becomes progressively restricted to the forming optic disc and stalk. In the eye, it is not known how Pax2 expression...
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
April 30, 2025 at 8:39 PM
So you want to study the optic nerve head. You’re thinking a Pax2-Cre driver should work, right? Well, think again: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40300047/
Reposted by Levi Todd
The final version of our eLife manuscript on viral Oct4-mediated neurogenic reprogramming of retinal Muller glia is now out, with all reviewer comments addressed.
elifesciences.org/reviewed-pre...
elifesciences.org/reviewed-pre...
Viral-mediated Oct4 overexpression and inhibition of Notch signaling synergistically induce neurogenic competence in mammalian Müller glia
elifesciences.org
April 28, 2025 at 10:07 PM
The final version of our eLife manuscript on viral Oct4-mediated neurogenic reprogramming of retinal Muller glia is now out, with all reviewer comments addressed.
elifesciences.org/reviewed-pre...
elifesciences.org/reviewed-pre...
Reposted by Levi Todd
Excited to share our latest (and first from the lab) preprint where we investigated the molecular mechanisms that drive Nestin-expression progenitor differentiation in the developing cerebellum. 🧠
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
April 10, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Excited to share our latest (and first from the lab) preprint where we investigated the molecular mechanisms that drive Nestin-expression progenitor differentiation in the developing cerebellum. 🧠
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Levi Todd
Our latest manuscript on glia-to-neuron conversion in retina is out in @elife.bsky.social. We show that AAV-mediated overexpression of Oct4 induces glia-to-bipolar cell conversion in wildtype retina, and that this is greatly enhanced by loss of function of Rbpj.
elifesciences.org/reviewed-pre...
elifesciences.org/reviewed-pre...
Viral-mediated Oct4 overexpression and inhibition of Notch signaling synergistically induce neurogenic competence in mammalian Müller glia
elifesciences.org
April 5, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Our latest manuscript on glia-to-neuron conversion in retina is out in @elife.bsky.social. We show that AAV-mediated overexpression of Oct4 induces glia-to-bipolar cell conversion in wildtype retina, and that this is greatly enhanced by loss of function of Rbpj.
elifesciences.org/reviewed-pre...
elifesciences.org/reviewed-pre...