Professor Nick Di Girolamo

Professor Nick Di Girolamo

Professor

1983-1985

BSc University of Sydney (conferred 1986)

 

1995-1997

PhD University of New South Wales (conferred 1998)

Title: Mechanisms of Tissue Destruction in Inflammatory Eye Disease

 

Medicine & Health
School of Biomedical Sciences

Professor Nick Di Girolamo is a research-focused academic leading an internationally recognised group whose mission is to restore sight in patients blinded from severe corneal disease. His expertise is the mammalian corneal, understanding how it develops and heals, and the diseases that develop when its stem cell reserves are depleted. His research program integrates basic sciences, revolutionary animal models, cutting-edge intravital imaging, novel image analysis modalities and world-first clinical trials using adult stem cells; the results of which have demonstrated improved eye health and vision in patients. Nick has received two decades of continuous funding from the NHMRC and other national and international funding agencies and has over 120 peer reviewed published articles.

Broad Research Areas:
Stem Cells, Ophthalmology, Transplantation, Pathology, Inflammation

Qualifications:
BSc, PhD

Society Memberships & Professional Activities (current):

Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)

NHMRC GRP Panels

ORIA Research Advisory Committee

International Society for Eye Research (ISER)

ARVO Ethics and Regulation in Human Research Committee (ERHR)

Editorial Board, The Ocular Surface

 

Specific Research Keywords:
Corneal Stem Cell Biology, Stem Cell Therapy, Ocular Surface Disease, Ultraviolet Radiation, Dry Eye Disease

Location
Wallace Wurth (East) Building (C27)
  • Book Chapters | 2017
    Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N; Thurau S, 2017, 'Anatomy and Pathogenesis of Scleritis', in Essentials in Ophthalmology, Springer International Publishing, pp. 1 - 17, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49915-4_1
    Book Chapters | 2016
    Bobba S; Di Girolamo N; Watson S, 2016, '9 Contact lens delivery of stem cells for restoring the ocular surface', in Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine in Ophthalmology, Elsevier, pp. 219 - 239, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-08-100147-9.00009-2
    Book Chapters | 2016
    Bobba S; Di Girolamo N; Watson S, 2016, 'Contact lens delivery of stem cells for restoring the ocular surface', in Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine in Ophthalmology: Second Edition, pp. 219 - 239, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100147-9.00009-2
  • Journal articles | 2024
    Cabrera-Aguas M; Downie LE; Munsie MM; Di Girolamo N; O’Connor M; Watson SL, 2024, 'Knowledge, views and experiences of Australian optometrists in relation to ocular stem cell therapies', Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 107, pp. 754 - 762, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08164622.2022.2102409
    Journal articles | 2024
    Di Girolamo N, 2024, 'Biologicals and Biomaterials for Corneal Regeneration and Vision Restoration in Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency', Advanced Materials, 36, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adma.202401763
    Journal articles | 2024
    Nureen L; Biazik J; Carnell M; Di Girolamo N, 2024, 'A detailed survey of the murine limbus, its stem cell distribution, and its boundaries with the cornea and conjunctiva', Stem cells translational medicine, 13, pp. 1015 - 1027, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/stcltm/szae055
    Journal articles | 2024
    Sprogyte L; Park M; Nureen L; Tedla N; Richardson A; Di Girolamo N, 2024, 'Development and characterization of a preclinical mouse model of alkali-induced limbal stem cell deficiency', Ocular Surface, 34, pp. 329 - 340, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2024.08.015
    Journal articles | 2023
    Di Girolamo N; Park M, 2023, 'Cell identity changes in ocular surface Epithelia', Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 95, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101148
    Journal articles | 2023
    Machet J; Park M; Richardson A; Carnell M; Mouat MA; Smith NJ; Turner N; Cochran BJ; Rye KA; Di Girolamo N, 2023, 'Type 2 diabetes influences intraepithelial corneal nerve parameters and corneal stromal-epithelial nerve penetration sites', Journal of Diabetes Investigation, 14, pp. 591 - 601, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jdi.13974
    Journal articles | 2023
    Maxia C; Isola M; Grecu E; Cuccu A; Scano A; Orrù G; Di Girolamo N; Diana A; Murtas D, 2023, 'Synergic Action of Insulin-like Growth Factor-2 and miRNA-483 in Pterygium Pathogenesis', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054329
    Journal articles | 2023
    Nureen L; Di Girolamo N, 2023, 'Limbal Epithelial Stem Cells in the Diabetic Cornea', Cells, 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/cells12202458
    Journal articles | 2023
    Park M; Richardson A; Delic N; Nguyen K; Biazik J; Zhang R; Sprogyte L; Nureen L; Lees J; Fajardo A; Kunicki U; Watson SL; Males J; Girolamo ND, 2023, 'A Bioengineering-Regenerative Medicine Approach for Ocular Surface Reconstruction Using a Functionalized Native Cornea-Derived Bio-Scaffold', Advanced Functional Materials, 33, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202304856
    Journal articles | 2023
    Sprogyte L; Park M; Di Girolamo N, 2023, 'Pathogenesis of Alkali Injury-Induced Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency: A Literature Survey of Animal Models', Cells, 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/cells12091294
    Journal articles | 2023
    Wu CL; Cioanca AV; Gelmi MC; Wen L; Di Girolamo N; Zhu L; Natoli R; Conway RM; Petsoglou C; Jager MJ; McCluskey PJ; Madigan MC, 2023, 'The multifunctional human ocular melanocortin system', Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 95, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101187
    Journal articles | 2022
    Adhikari A; Abayasingam A; Rodrigo C; Agapiou D; Pandzic E; Brasher NA; Fernando BSM; Keoshkerian E; Li H; Kim HN; Lord M; Popovic G; Rawlinson W; Mina M; Post JJ; Hudson B; Gilroy N; Dwyer D; Sasson SC; Grubor-Bauk B; Lloyd AR; Martinello M; Bull RA; Tedla N; Kaldor J; Dore G; Sorrell T; Bartlett A; Lemberg D; Di Girolamo N; Byrne M; Hammoud M; Sultan R; Konecny P; Matthews G; Shek D; Holdaway S; Mitsa-Kos K; How-Chow D; Lagunday R; Robinson S; Terrill L; Joshi N; Li Y; Gill S; Sevehon A, 2022, 'Longitudinal Characterization of Phagocytic and Neutralization Functions of Anti-Spike Antibodies in Plasma of Patients after Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection', Journal of Immunology, 209, pp. 1499 - 1512, http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.2200272
    Journal articles | 2022
    Chinnery HR; Rajan R; Jiao H; Wu M; Zhang AC; De Silva MEH; Makrai E; Stepp MA; Di Girolamo N; Downie LE, 2022, 'Identification of presumed corneal neuromas and microneuromas using laser-scanning in vivo confocal microscopy: A systematic review', British Journal of Ophthalmology, 106, pp. 765 - 771, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-318156
    Journal articles | 2022
    Delic NC; Cai JR; Watson SL; Downie LE; Di Girolamo N, 2022, 'Evaluating the clinical translational relevance of animal models for limbal stem cell deficiency: A systematic review', Ocular Surface, 23, pp. 169 - 183, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2021.09.006
    Journal articles | 2022
    Eghtedari Y; Oh LJ; Girolamo ND; Watson SL, 2022, 'The role of topical N-acetylcysteine in ocular therapeutics', Survey of Ophthalmology, 67, pp. 608 - 622, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.survophthal.2021.07.008
    Journal articles | 2022
    Meursinge Reynders R; ter Riet G; Di Girolamo N; Malički M, 2022, 'Honorary authorship in health sciences: a protocol for a systematic review of survey research', Systematic Reviews, 11, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13643-022-01928-1
    Journal articles | 2022
    Park M; Zhang R; Pandzic E; Sun M; Coulson-Thomas VJ; Di Girolamo N, 2022, 'Plasticity of ocular surface epithelia: Using a murine model of limbal stem cell deficiency to delineate metaplasia and transdifferentiation', Stem Cell Reports, 17, pp. 2451 - 2466, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.09.011
    Journal articles | 2022
    Richardson A; Fok S; Lee V; Rye KA; Di Girolamo N; Cochran BJ, 2022, 'Use of High-Refractive Index Hydrogels and Tissue Clearing for Large Biological Sample Imaging', Gels, 8, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/gels8010032
    Journal articles | 2022
    Viveiros MMH; Rainho CA; Ramirez JAZ; Kaneno R; Silva MG; Ximenes VF; de Olyveira GM; Basmaji P; Di Girolamo N; Schellini SA, 2022, 'Physical, functional and biochemical features of Nanoskin® bacterial cellulose scaffold as a potential carrier for cell transference', Materials Letters, 308, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2021.131109
    Journal articles | 2021
    Di Girolamo N, 2021, '“Eyeing” corneal stem cell identity, dynamics, and compartmentalization', Cell Stem Cell, 28, pp. 1181 - 1183, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2021.06.001
    Journal articles | 2021
    Tuck H; Park M; Carnell M; Machet J; Richardson A; Jukic M; Di Girolamo N, 2021, 'Neuronal-epithelial cell alignment: A determinant of health and disease status of the cornea', Ocular Surface, 21, pp. 257 - 270, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2021.03.007
    Journal articles | 2021
    Zhang R; Pandzic E; Park M; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2021, 'Inducing dry eye disease using a custom engineered desiccation system: Impact on the ocular surface including keratin-14-positive limbal epithelial stem cells', Ocular Surface, 21, pp. 145 - 159, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2021.04.006
    Journal articles | 2020
    Basova L; Parfitt GJ; Richardson A; Delcroix V; Umazume T; Pelaez D; Tse DT; Kalajzic I; Di Girolamo N; Jester JV; Makarenkova HP, 2020, 'Origin and Lineage Plasticity of Endogenous Lacrimal Gland Epithelial Stem/Progenitor Cells', iScience, 23, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2020.101230
    Journal articles | 2020
    Stepp MA; Pal-Ghosh S; Downie LE; Zhang AC; Chinnery HR; Machet J; Di Girolamo N, 2020, 'Corneal Epithelial "Neuromas": A Case of Mistaken Identity?', Cornea, 39, pp. 930 - 934, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/ICO.0000000000002294
    Journal articles | 2020
    Zhang R; Park M; Richardson A; Tedla N; Pandzic E; de Paiva CS; Watson S; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2020, 'Dose-dependent benzalkonium chloride toxicity imparts ocular surface epithelial changes with features of dry eye disease', Ocular Surface, 18, pp. 158 - 169, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2019.11.006
    Journal articles | 2019
    Dave A; Craig JE; Skrzypiec K; Quinn S; Barnes M; Di Girolamo N; Mackey DA; Burdon KP; de Iongh RU; Sharma S, 2019, 'Epha2 genotype influences ultraviolet radiation induced cataract in mice', Experimental Eye Research, 188, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2019.107806
    Journal articles | 2019
    Park M; Mazalo J; Di Girolamo N, 2019, 'Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7: A marker of conjunctivalization in an animal model of limbal stem cell deficiency', Ocular Surface, 17, pp. 447 - 457, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2019.05.005
    Journal articles | 2019
    Park M; Richardson A; Pandzic E; Lobo EP; Lyons JG; Girolamo ND, 2019, 'Peripheral (not central) corneal epithelia contribute to the closure of an annular debridement injury', Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 116, pp. 26633 - 26643, http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1912260116
    Journal articles | 2019
    Park M; Richardson A; Pandzic E; Lobo EP; Whan R; Watson SL; Lyons JG; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2019, 'Visualizing the Contribution of Keratin-14+ Limbal Epithelial Precursors in Corneal Wound Healing', Stem Cell Reports, 12, pp. 14 - 28, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.11.014
    Journal articles | 2018
    Bobba S; Devlin C; Di Girolamo N; Wakefield D; McCluskey P; Chan E; Daniell M; Watson S, 2018, 'Incidence, clinical features and diagnosis of cicatrising conjunctivitis in Australia and New Zealand', Eye (Basingstoke), 32, pp. 1636 - 1643, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41433-018-0155-7
    Journal articles | 2018
    Bobba S; Di Girolamo N; Munsie M; Chen F; Pébay A; Harkin D; Hewitt A; O'Connor M; McLenachan S; Shadforth AMA; Watson SL, 2018, 'The current state of stem cell therapy for ocular disease', Experimental Eye Research, 177, pp. 65 - 75, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2018.07.019
    Journal articles | 2018
    Nguyen KN; Bobba S; Richardson A; Park M; Watson SL; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2018, 'Native and synthetic scaffolds for limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation', Acta Biomaterialia, 65, pp. 21 - 35, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2017.10.037
    Journal articles | 2018
    Richardson A; Park M; Watson SL; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2018, 'Visualizing the Fate of Transplanted K14-Confetti Corneal Epithelia in a Mouse Model of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency', Investigative ophthalmology & visual science, 59, pp. 1630 - 1640, http://dx.doi.org/10.1167/iovs.17-23557
    Journal articles | 2017
    Bobba S; Di Girolamo N; Mills R; Daniell M; Chan E; Harkin DG; Cronin BG; Crawford G; McGhee C; Watson S, 2017, 'Nature and incidence of severe limbal stem cell deficiency in Australia and New Zealand', Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 45, pp. 174 - 181, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ceo.12813
    Journal articles | 2017
    Delic NC; Lyons JG; Di Girolamo N; Halliday GM, 2017, 'Damaging Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on the Cornea', Photochemistry and Photobiology, 93, pp. 920 - 929, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/php.12686
    Journal articles | 2017
    Ozawa S; Mans C; Szabo Z; Di Girolamo N, 2017, 'Epidemiology of bacterial conjunctivitis in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera): 49 cases (2005 to 2015)', Journal of Small Animal Practice, 58, pp. 238 - 245, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jsap.12644
    Journal articles | 2017
    Richardson A; Lobo EP; Delic NC; Myerscough MR; Lyons JG; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2017, 'Keratin-14-Positive Precursor Cells Spawn a Population of Migratory Corneal Epithelia that Maintain Tissue Mass throughout Life', Stem Cell Reports, 9, pp. 1081 - 1096, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.08.015
    Journal articles | 2017
    Sancilio S; Di Staso S; Sebastiani S; Centurione L; Di Girolamo N; Ciancaglini M; Di Pietro R, 2017, 'Curcuma longa is able to induce apoptotic cell death of pterygium-derived human keratinocytes', BioMed Research International, 2017, pp. 2956597, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/2956597
    Journal articles | 2016
    Bobba S; Di Girolamo N, 2016, 'Contact lenses: A delivery device for stem cells to treat corneal blindness', Optometry and Vision Science, 93, pp. 412 - 418, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/OPX.0000000000000699
    Journal articles | 2016
    Di Girolamo N; Chow S; Richardson A; Wakefield D, 2016, 'Contamination of primary human corneal epithelial cells with an SV40-transformed human corneal epithelial cell line: A lesson for cell biologists in good laboratory practice', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 57, pp. 611 - 616, http://dx.doi.org/10.1167/iovs.15-18783
    Journal articles | 2016
    Eghtedari Y; Richardson A; Mai K; Heng B; Guillemin GJ; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2016, 'Keratin 14 expression in epithelial progenitor cells of the developing human cornea', Stem Cells and Development, 25, pp. 699 - 711, http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/scd.2016.0039
    Journal articles | 2016
    Jones LW; Chauhan A; Di Girolamo N; Sheedy J; Smith E, 2016, 'Expert views on innovative future uses for contact lenses', Optometry and Vision Science, 93, pp. 328 - 335, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/OPX.0000000000000700
    Journal articles | 2016
    Lobo EP; Delic NC; Richardson A; Raviraj V; Halliday GM; Di Girolamo N; Myerscough MR; Lyons JG, 2016, 'Self-organized centripetal movement of corneal epithelium in the absence of external cues', Nature Communications, 7, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ncomms12388
    Journal articles | 2016
    Parfitt GJ; Lewis PN; Young RD; Richardson A; Lyons JG; Di Girolamo N; Jester JV, 2016, 'Renewal of the Holocrine Meibomian Glands by Label-Retaining, Unipotent Epithelial Progenitors', Stem Cell Reports, 7, pp. 399 - 410, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.07.010
    Journal articles | 2016
    Richardson A; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2016, 'Fate Mapping Mammalian Corneal Epithelia', Ocular Surface, 14, pp. 82 - 99, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2015.11.007
    Journal articles | 2016
    Wilkinson A; Kawaguchi N; Geczy C; Di Girolamo N, 2016, 'S100A8 and S100A9 proteins are expressed by human corneal stromal dendritic cells', British Journal of Ophthalmology, 100, pp. 1304 - 1308, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjophthalmol-2016-308827
    Journal articles | 2015
    Bobba S; Chow S; Watson S; Di Girolamo N, 2015, 'Clinical outcomes of xeno-free expansion and transplantation of autologous ocular surface epithelial stem cells via contact lens delivery: A prospective case series', Stem Cell Research and Therapy, 6, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13287-015-0009-1
    Journal articles | 2015
    Di Girolamo N; Bobba S; Raviraj V; Delic NC; Slapetova I; Nicovich PR; Halliday GM; Wakefield D; Whan R; Lyons JG, 2015, 'Tracing the fate of limbal epithelial progenitor cells in the murine cornea', Stem Cells, 33, pp. 157 - 169, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/stem.1769
    Journal articles | 2015
    Di Girolamo N, 2015, 'Moving epithelia: Tracking the fate of mammalian limbal epithelial stem cells', Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 48, pp. 203 - 225, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.preteyeres.2015.04.002
    Journal articles | 2015
    Gupta B; Mai K; Lowe SB; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N; Gaus K; Reece PJ; Gooding JJ, 2015, 'Ultrasensitive and Specific Measurement of Protease Activity Using Functionalized Photonic Crystals', Analytical Chemistry, 87, pp. 9946 - 9953, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5b02529
    Journal articles | 2015
    Samarawickrama C; Cherepanoff S; Di Girolamo N; Benger R; Watson S, 2015, 'Unusual limbal lesion in neurofibromatosis type 1', Cornea, 34, pp. 347 - 349, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/ICO.0000000000000353
    Journal articles | 2014
    Chow S; Di Girolamo N, 2014, 'Vitronectin: a migration and wound healing factor for human corneal epithelial cells', Investigative ophthalmology & visual science, 55, pp. 6590 - 6600, http://dx.doi.org/10.1167/iovs.14-15054
    Journal articles | 2014
    Hassan NMM; Painter N; Howlett CR; Farrell AW; Di Girolamo N; Lyons JG; Halliday GM, 2014, 'BrmInhibits the proliferative response of keratinocytes and corneal epithelial cells to ultraviolet radiation-induced damage', PLoS ONE, 9, http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0107931
    Journal articles | 2014
    Mai K; Chui JJY; Di Girolamo N; McCluskey PJ; Wakefield D, 2014, 'Role of toll-like receptors in human iris pigment epithelial cells and their response to pathogen-associated molecular patterns', Journal of Inflammation (United Kingdom), 11, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1476-9255-11-20
    Journal articles | 2013
    Demurtas P; Di Girolamo N; Corrias M; Zucca I; Maxia C; Diana A; Piras F; Lai S; Sirigu P; Perra1 MT, 2013, 'Immunohistochemical analysis of angiotensin converting enzyme in sardinian pterygium', Histology and Histopathology, 28, pp. 759 - 766, http://www.hh.um.es/2013/HH_28_6_2013.htm
    Journal articles | 2013
    Di Girolamo N; Atik A; McCluskey P; Wakefield D, 2013, 'Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva.', OCULAR SURFACE, 11, pp. 193 - 205, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2013.01.006
    Journal articles | 2013
    Di Girolamo N; Atik A; McCluskey PJ; Wakefield D, 2013, 'Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Conjunctiva', OCULAR SURFACE, 11, pp. 193 - 205, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2013.01.006
    Journal articles | 2013
    Di Girolamo N; Ordonez P; Chow S, 2013, 'Integrin alphavbeta5 identifies human corneal epithelial stem cells', ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, 91, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-3768.2013.4763.x
    Journal articles | 2013
    Harkin DG; Apel AJG; Di Girolamo N; Watson SL; Brown KD; Daniells MD; Mcghee JJ; McGhee CNJ, 2013, 'Current status and future prospects for cultured limbal tissue transplants in Australia and New Zealand', Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 41, pp. 272 - 281, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-9071.2012.02877.x
    Journal articles | 2013
    Leahy K; Sarris M; Di Girolamo N; Watson S; McCluskey P; White A, 2013, 'IMMUNOFLUORESCENT INVESTIGATION OF CORNEAL ENDOTHELIAL CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY', CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, 41, pp. 15 - 15, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000329507100021&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Journal articles | 2013
    Nicovich PR; Slapetova I; Whan R; Raviraj V; Bobba S; Di Girolamo N; Lyons JG, 2013, 'Imaging and Lineage Segmentation in Homozygous R26R-Confetti Mice', MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL, 24, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000209348700008&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Journal articles | 2013
    Ordonez P; Chow S; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2013, 'Human limbal epithelial progenitor cells express ávâ5 and the interferon-inducible chemokine CXCL10/IP-10', Stem Cell Research, 11, pp. 888 - 901, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scr.2013.05.013
    Journal articles | 2013
    Tonthat CV; Di Girolamo N, 2013, 'Nestin expression in pterygia: potential role in angiogenesis', British Journal of Ophthalmology, 98, pp. 801 - 807, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjophthalmol-2013-303919
    Journal articles | 2013
    Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N; Thurau S; Wildner G; McCluskey P, 2013, 'Scleritis: Challenges in immunopathogenesis and treatment', Discovery Medicine, 16, pp. 153 - 157
    Journal articles | 2013
    Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N; Thurau SR; Wildner G; McCluskey P, 2013, 'Scleritis: Immunopathogenesis and molecular basis for therapy', Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 35, pp. 44 - 62, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.preteyeres.2013.02.004
    Journal articles | 2013
    Woods M; Chow S; Heng B; Glenn W; Whitaker N; Waring D; Iwasenko J; Rawlinson W; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2013, 'Detecting human papillomavirus in ocular surface diseases', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 54, pp. 8069 - 8078, http://dx.doi.org/10.1167/iovs.13-13140
    Journal articles | 2012
    Di Girolamo N, 2012, 'Association of human papilloma virus with pterygia and ocular-surface squamous neoplasia', Eye, 26, pp. 202 - 211, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/eye.2011.312
    Journal articles | 2012
    Halliday GM; Zhou Y; Sou PW; Huang X; Rana S; Bugeja M; Painter N; Scolyer RA; Muchardt C; Di Girolamo N; Guy lyons J, 2012, 'The absence of Brm exacerbates photocarcinogenesis', Experimental Dermatology, 21, pp. 599 - 604, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0625.2012.01522.x
    Journal articles | 2012
    Karaconji T; Skippen B; Di Girolamo N; Taylor S; Francis IC; Coroneo MT, 2012, 'Doxycycline for treatment of blepharochalasis via inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases', Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 28, pp. 163 - 237, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/IOP.0b013e31822ddf6e
    Journal articles | 2012
    Ordonez P; Di Girolamo N, 2012, 'Concise review: Limbal epithelial stem cells: Role of the niche microenvironment', Stem Cells, 30, pp. 100 - 107, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/stem.794
    Journal articles | 2011
    Di Girolamo N; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D, 2011, 'Animal model of pterygium.', ophthalmology, 118, pp. 789 - 790
    Journal articles | 2011
    Di Girolamo N; Echevarria , 2011, 'Tissue-Regenerating, Vision-Restoring Corneal Epithelial Stem Cells', Stem Cell Reviews, 7, pp. 256 - 268, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12015-010-9199-1
    Journal articles | 2011
    Di Girolamo N; Wakefield D; Coroneo MT, 2011, 'Doxycycline’s and Ocular Angiogenesis', Ophthalmology, 118, pp. 789 - 790
    Journal articles | 2011
    Di Girolamo N, 2011, 'Stem cells of the human cornea', British Medical Bulletin, 100, pp. 191 - 207, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldr026
    Journal articles | 2011
    Echevarria ; Chow SM; Watson SL; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2011, 'Vitronectin: A Matrix Support Factor for Human Limbal Epithelial Progenitor Cells', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 52, pp. 8138 - 8147, http://dx.doi.org/10.1167/iovs.11-8140
    Journal articles | 2011
    Nguyen HV; Di Girolamo N; Jackson NE; Hampartzoumian T; Bullpitt P; Tedla NT; Wakefield D, 2011, 'Ultraviolet radiation-induced cytokines promote mast cell accumulation and matrix metalloproteinase production: potential role in cutaneous lupus erythematosus', Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 40, pp. 197 - 204, http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/03009742.2010.528020
    Journal articles | 2010
    Chui JJ; Li MW; Di Girolamo N; Chang JH; McCluskey PJ; Wakefield D, 2010, 'Iris pigment epithelial cells express a functional lipopolysaccharide receptor complex', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 51, pp. 2558 - 2567, http://dx.doi.org/10.1167/iovs.09-3923
    Journal articles | 2010
    Di Girolamo N; Davies S, 2010, 'Corneal Stem Cells and Their Origins:Significance in Developmental Biology', Stem Cells and Development, 19, pp. 1651 - 1662
    Journal articles | 2010
    Di Girolamo N; Watson SL, 2010, 'Reply to Aniridia-To Be or Not To Be?', Transplantation, 89, pp. 483 - 484
    Journal articles | 2010
    Di Girolamo N; Watson SL, 2010, 'Reply to Contact Lens-Based Expansion and Transplantation of Autologous Epithelial Progenitors for Ocular Surface Reconstruction: Crossover Control', Transplantation, 89, pp. 484 - 484
    Journal articles | 2010
    Di Girolamo N, 2010, 'Signalling pathways activated by ultraviolet radiation: Role in ocular and cutaneous health', Current Pharmaceutical Design, 16, pp. 1358 - 1375, http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161210791033923
    Journal articles | 2009
    Davies S; Chui JJ; Madigan MC; Provis J; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2009, 'Stem cell activity in the developing human cornea', Stem Cells, 27, pp. 2781 - 2792
    Journal articles | 2009
    Di Girolamo N; Bosch M; Zamora K; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D; Watson SL, 2009, 'A contact lens-based technique for expansion and transplantation of autologous epithelial progenitors for ocular surface reconstruction', Transplantation, 87, pp. 1571 - 1578
    Journal articles | 2009
    Goyette JD; Yan W; Yamen E; Chung YM; Lim SY; Hsu KK; Rahimi F; Di Girolamo N; Song C; Jessup W; Kockx M; Bobryshev YV; Freedman BS; Geczy C, 2009, 'Pleiotropic roles of s100A12 in coronary atherosclerotic plaque formation and rupture', Journal of Immunology, 183, pp. 593 - 603
    Journal articles | 2009
    Kilian KA; Lai LH; Magenau AI; Cartland SP; Boecking T; Di Girolamo N; Gal M; Gaus K; Gooding JJ, 2009, 'Smart tissue culture: in Situ monitoring of the activity of protease enzymes secreted from live cells using nanostructured photonic crystals', Nano Letters, 9, pp. 2021 - 2025
    Journal articles | 2009
    Mccluskey P; Molteno A; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2009, 'Otago glaucoma surgery outcome study: the pattern of expression of MMPs and TIMPs in bleb capsules surrounding molteno implants', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 50, pp. 2161 - 2164
    Journal articles | 2008
    Chui JJ; Di Girolamo N; Wakefield D; Coroneo MT, 2008, 'The pathogenesis of pterygium: Current concepts and their therapeutic implications', OCULAR SURFACE, 6, pp. 24 - 43
    Journal articles | 2008
    Di Girolamo N; Sarris M; Chui JJ; Cheema H; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D, 2008, 'Localization of the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor p75 in human limbal epithelial cells', Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 12, pp. 2799 - 2811
    Journal articles | 2008
    Ng J; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2008, 'Ultraviolet Radiation and the Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Pathogenesis of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 49, pp. 5295 - 5306
    Journal articles | 2007
    Chui JJ; Di Girolamo N; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D, 2007, 'The Role of substance P in the pathogenesis of pterygia', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 48, pp. 4482 - 4489
    Journal articles | 2007
    Di Girolamo N; Chui JJ; Wakefield D; Coroneo MT, 2007, 'Cultured human ocular surface epithelium on therapeutic contact lenses', British Journal of Ophthalmology, 91, pp. 459 - 464
    Journal articles | 2007
    Endoh I; Di Girolamo N; Hampartzoumian T; Cameron BA; Geczy C; Tedla NT, 2007, 'Ultraviolet B irradiation selectively increases the production of interleukin-8 in human cord blood-derived mast cells', Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 148, pp. 161 - 167
    Journal articles | 2007
    Figueira EC; Di Girolamo N; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D, 2007, 'The phenotype of limbal epithelial stem cells', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 48, pp. 144 - 156
    Journal articles | 2007
    Hettiaratchi A; Hawkins NJ; McKenzie GL; Ward RL; Hunt JE; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2007, 'The collagenase-1 (MMP-1) gene promoter polymorphism - 1607/2G is associated with favourable prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer', British Journal of Cancer, 96, pp. 783 - 792
    Journal articles | 2007
    Lai K; Di Girolamo N; Conway RM; Jager M; Madigan MC, 2007, 'The effect of ultraviolet radiation on choroidal melanocytes and melanoma cell lines: cell survival and matrix metalloproteinase production', Graefes Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 245, pp. 715 - 724
    Journal articles | 2007
    Wu BJ; Di Girolamo N; Beck K; Hanratty C; Choy K; Hou JY; Ward M; Stocker R, 2007, 'Probucol [4,4 `-[(1-methylethylidene)bis(thio)]bis-[2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) phenol]] inhibits compensatory remodeling and promotes lumen loss associated with atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice', Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 321, pp. 477 - 484
    Journal articles | 2007
    Yang Z; Yan WX; Cai H; Tedla NT; Armishaw C; Di Girolamo N; Wang H; Hampartzoumian T; Simpson J; Gibson P; Hunt JE; Hart P; Hughes J; Perry MA; Alewood P; Geczy C, 2007, 'S100A12 provokes mast cell activation: A potential amplification pathway in asthma and innate immunity', Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 119, pp. 106 - 114, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2006.08.021
    Journal articles | 2006
    Di Girolamo N; Indoh I; Jackson NE; Wakefield D; McNeil HP; Yan WX; Geczy C; Arm J; Tedla NT, 2006, 'Human mast cell-derived gelatinase B (matrix metalloproteinase-9) is regulated by inflammatory cytokines: Role in cell migration', Journal of Immunology, 177, pp. 2638 - 2650
    Journal articles | 2006
    Di Girolamo N; Wakefield D; Coroneo MT, 2006, 'UVB-mediated induction of cytokines and growth factors in pterygium epithelial cells involves cell surface receptors and intracellular signaling', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 47, pp. 2430 - 2437
    Journal articles | 2006
    Khachigian LM; Fahmy R; Di Girolamo N; Zhang GS, 2006, 'JUN siRNA regulates matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression, microvascular endothelial growth and retinal neovascularisation', Journal of Cell Science, 119, pp. 3219 - 3226
    Journal articles | 2005
    Bhindi R; Brieger D; Ishii H; Di Girolamo N; Kumar RK; Khachigian LM; Lowe HC, 2005, 'Fibroblast growth factor 2 and the transcription factor Egr-l localiseto endothelial cell microvascular channels in human coronary artery occlusion', Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 93, pp. 172 - 174
    Journal articles | 2005
    Di Girolamo N; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D, 2005, 'Epidermal growth factor receptor signaling is partially responsible for the increased matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression in ocular epithelial cells after UVB radiation', American Journal of Pathology, 167, pp. 489 - 503
    Journal articles | 2004
    Di Girolamo N; Chui JJ; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D, 2004, 'Pathogenesis of pterygia: role of cytokines, growth factors, and matrix metalloproteinases, and ultraviolet light', Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 23, pp. 195 - 228
    Journal articles | 2004
    Nolan TM; Di Girolamo N; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D, 2004, 'Proliferative effects of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor on pterygium epithelial cells and fibroblasts', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 45, pp. 110 - 113
    Journal articles | 2004
    Sachdev NH; Di Girolamo N; Nolan TM; Mccluskey P; Wakefield D; Coroneo MT, 2004, 'Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Human Lens: Implications for Cortical Cataract Formation', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 45, pp. 4075 - 4082
    Journal articles | 2004
    Zhang GS; Dass CR; Sumithran E; Di Girolamo N; Sun L; Khachigian LM, 2004, 'Effect of deoxyribozymes targeting c-Jun on solid tumor growth and angiogenesis in rodents', Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 96, pp. 683 - 696
    Journal articles | 2003
    Coroneo MT; Digirolamo N; Wakefield D, 2003, 'UVB-elicited induction of MMP-1 expression in human ocular surface epithelial cells is mediated through ERK1/2 MAPK-dependent pathway', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 44, pp. 4705 - 4714
    Journal articles | 2003
    Lan J; Kumar RK; Di Girolamo N; Mccluskey P; Wakefield D, 2003, 'Expression and distribution of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in the human iris and cilary body', British Journal of Ophthalmology, 87, pp. 208 - 211
    Journal articles | 2003
    Nolan TM; Di Girolamo N; Sachdev NH; Hampartzoumian T; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D, 2003, 'The Role of Ultraviolet Irradiation and Heparin-Binding Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Growth Factor in the Pathogenesis of Pterygium', American Journal of Pathology, 162, pp. 567 - 574
    Journal articles | 2003
    Wei XM; Heywood G; Di Girolamo N; Thomas PS, 2003, 'Nicorandil inhibits the release of TNF from a lymphocyte cell line and peripheral blood lymphocytes', International Immunopharmacology, 3, pp. 1581 - 1588
    Journal articles | 2003
    Xue ML; Wakefield D; Willcox MD; Lloyd AR; Di Girolamo N; Cole NA; Thakur A, 2003, 'Regulation of MMPs and TIMPs by IL-1â during Corneal Ulceration and Infection', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 44, pp. 2020 - 2025
    Journal articles | 2002
    Cuello C; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2002, 'Neutrophil accumulation correlates with type IV collagenase/gelatinase activity in endotoxin induced uvetis', British Journal of Ophthalmology, 56, pp. 290 - 295
    Journal articles | 2002
    Di Girolamo N; Kumar RK; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D, 2002, 'UVB-Mediated Induction of Interleukin-6 and -8 in Pterygia and Cultured Human Pterygium Epithelial Cells', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 43, pp. 3430 - 3437
    Journal articles | 2002
    McGuinness R; Sachdev NH; Di Girolamo N; Jennings A; Wakefield D; Coroneo MT, 2002, 'Lens Dislocation in Marfan Syndrome: Potential Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Fibrillin Degradation', Archives of Ophthalmology, 120, pp. 833 - 835
    Journal articles | 2001
    Di Girolamo N; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D, 2001, 'Active Matrilysin (MMP-7) in Human Pterygia: Potential Role in Angiogenesis', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, pp. 1963 - 1968
    Journal articles | 2001
    Yang Z; Tao T; Raftery MJ; Youssef PP; Di Girolamo N; Geczy C, 2001, 'Proinflammatory properties of the human S100 protein S100A12', Journal of Leukocyte Biology, pp. 986 - 994
    Journal articles | 2000
    Di Girolamo N; Mccluskey P; Lloyd AR; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D, 2000, 'Expression of MMPs and TIMPs in Human Pterygia and Cultured Pterygium Epithelial Cells', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, pp. 671 - 679
    Journal articles | 2000
    Di Girolamo N; Wakefield D; Coroneo MT, 2000, 'Differential Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Tissue Inhibitors at the Advancing Pterygium Head', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, pp. 4142 - 4149
    Journal articles | 2000
    Di Girolamo N; Wakefield D; Coroneo MT, 2000, 'Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases at the invading pterygium head', INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, 41, pp. S451 - S451, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000086246702387&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Journal articles | 2000
    Di Girolamo N; Wakefield D, 2000, 'In vitro and in vivo expression of interstitial collagenase/MMP-1 by human mast cells', Developmental Immunology, pp. 131 - 142
    Journal articles | 1999
    Coroneo MT; Di Girolamo N; Wakefield D, 1999, 'The pathogenesis of pterygia', Current Opinion in Ophthalmology, 10, pp. 282 - 288
    Journal articles | 1999
    Di Girolamo N; Tedla NT; Kumar RK; Mccluskey P; Lloyd AR; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D, 1999, 'Culture and characterisation of epithelial cells from human pterygia', British Journal of Ophthalmology, pp. 1077 - 1082
    Journal articles | 1999
    Wakefield D; Cuello C; Di Girolamo N; Lloyd AR, 1999, 'The role of cytokines and chemokines in uveitis', Developments in Ophthalmology, pp. 53 - 66
    Journal articles | 1998
    Cuello C; Palladinetti P; Tedla NT; Di Girolamo N; Lloyd AR; Mccluskey P; Wakefield D, 1998, 'Chemokine expression and leucocyte infiltration in Sjögren's syndrome', British Journal of Rheumatology, pp. 779 - 783
    Journal articles | 1998
    Di Girolamo N; Tedla NT; Lloyd AR; Wakefield D, 1998, 'Expression of matrix metalloproteinases by human plasma cells and B lymphocytes.', European Journal of Immunology, pp. 1773 - 1784
    Journal articles | 1998
    Tedla NT; Wang H; McNeil HP; Di Girolamo N; Hampartzoumian T; Wakefield D; Lloyd AR, 1998, 'Regulation of T lymphocyte trafficking into lymph nodes during an immune response by the chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha and MIP-1beta.', Journal of Immunology, 161, pp. 5663 - 5672
    Journal articles | 1997
    Di Girolamo N; Lloyd AR; Mccluskey P; Filipic M; Wakefield D, 1997, 'Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases in vivo in scleritis tissue and in vitro in cultured human scleral fibroblasts', American Journal of Pathology, 150, pp. 653 - 666
    Journal articles | 1997
    Di Girolamo N; Visvanathan K; Lloyd A; Wakefield D, 1997, 'Expression of TNF-α by human plasma cells in chronic inflammation', Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 61, pp. 667 - 678, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jlb.61.6.667
    Journal articles | 1997
    Di Girolamo N; Visvanathan K; Lloyd AR; Wakefield D, 1997, 'Expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha by human plasma cells in chronic inflammation', Journal of Leukocyte Biology, pp. 667 - 678
    Journal articles | 1996
    Digirolamo N; Verma MJ; Mccluskey P; Lloyd AR; Wakefield D, 1996, 'Increased matrix metalloproteinases in the aqueous humor of patients and experimental animals with uveitis', Current Eye Research, 15, pp. 1060 - 1068
    Journal articles | 1995
    Digirolamo N; Mccluskey P; Lloyd AR; Wakefield D, 1995, 'Stromelysin matrix metalloproteinase-3 and tissue inhibitor of metallproteinase TIMP-1 mRNA expression in scleritis', Ocular Immunology and Inflammation, pp. 181 - 194
  • Conference Abstracts | 2022
    Eghtedari Y; Oh L; Di Girolamo N; Watson S, 2022, 'A review on the use of topical N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of ocular diseases', in CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, WILEY, Vol. 49, pp. 887 - 887, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000721587100141&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2021
    Di Girolamo N; Zhang R; Pandzic E; Park M; Wakefield D, 2021, 'Inducing dry eye disease using a custom engineered desiccation system: impact on the ocular surface including keratin-14-positive limbal epithelial stem cells', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, Vol. 62, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000690761100363&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Preprints | 2021
    Richardson A; Fok S; Lee V; Rye K-A; Di Girolamo N; Cochran B, 2021, Use of high-refractive index hydrogels and tissue clearing for large biological sample imaging (Preprint), http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/preprints.31794
    Conference Papers | 2020
    Di Girolamo N; Tuck H; Park M; Richardson A; Machet J; Carnell M, 2020, 'A novel automated tool for measuring intraepithelial corneal basal nerves in murine models of aging, wound-healing and limbal stem cell deficiency', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, ELECTR NETWORK, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology (ARVO), ELECTR NETWORK, 01 May 2020 - 07 May 2020, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000554495702349&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2020
    Di Girolamo N; Tuck H; Park M; Richardson A; Machet J; Carnell M, 2020, 'A novel automated tool for measuring intraepithelial corneal basal nerves in murine models of aging, wound-healing and limbal stem cell deficiency', in IOVS, Baltimore, presented at ARVO, Baltimore, 03 May 2020, https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2767042
    Preprints | 2020
    Richardson A; Fok S; Lee V; Rye K-A; Di Girolamo N; Cochran BJ, 2020, Use of high-refractive index hydrogels and tissue clearing for large biological sample imaging, http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/2020.01.22.905695
    Conference Abstracts | 2019
    Di Girolamo N; Park M; Mazalo J, 2019, 'Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7: a marker of conjunctivalization in an animal model of limbal stem cell deficiency', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, CANADA, Vancouver, Vol. 60, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology (ARVO), CANADA, Vancouver, 28 April 2019 - 02 May 2019, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000488800703176&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2019
    Hata Viveiros MM; Rainho C; Viveiros M; Ximenes V; Gorgulho C; Ramirez J; Basmaji P; Di Girolamo N; Schellini S, 2019, 'Nanoskin scaffolds for ocular surface reconstruction with mesenchymal stem cells', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, CANADA, Vancouver, Vol. 60, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology (ARVO), CANADA, Vancouver, 28 April 2019 - 02 May 2019, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000488800703064&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2019
    Zhang R; Park M; Richardson A; Tedla N; De Paiva CS; Watson SL; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2019, 'An optimized model of dry eye disease using benzalkonium chloride in C57BL/6 mice: effects on the ocular surface', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, CANADA, Vancouver, Vol. 60, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology (ARVO), CANADA, Vancouver, 28 April 2019 - 02 May 2019, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000488628103188&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2018
    Bobba S; Di Girolamo N; Munsie M; Chen F; Pebay A; Harkin D; Hewitt A; O'Connor M; McLenachan S; Shadforth A; Watson S, 2018, 'A RANZCO POSITION STATEMENT ON OCULAR STEM CELL THERAPY', in CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, WILEY, Vol. 46, pp. 87 - 87, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000450083500112&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2018
    Di Girolamo N; Richardson A; Park M; Watson SL; Wakefield D, 2018, 'Visualizing the fate of transplanted K14-Confetti corneal epithelia in a mouse model of limbal stem cell deficiency', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, HI, Honolulu, Vol. 59, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology (ARVO), HI, Honolulu, 29 April 2018 - 03 May 2018, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000442912506234&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2018
    Di Girolamo N, 2018, 'Limbal epithelial stem cells in corneal development and wound-healing', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, HI, Honolulu, Vol. 59, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology (ARVO), HI, Honolulu, 29 April 2018 - 03 May 2018, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000442912506012&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2018
    Park M; Richardson A; Pandzic E; Whan R; Lobo E; Watson SL; Lyons G; Wakefield D; Di Girolamo N, 2018, 'Accelerated deployment of K14-Confetti limbal epithelial progenitor-derived clones during corneal wound-healing visualized in real-time', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, HI, Honolulu, Vol. 59, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology (ARVO), HI, Honolulu, 29 April 2018 - 03 May 2018, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000442912509018&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2018
    Richardson A; Di Girolamo N; Wakefield D; Park M; Watson S, 2018, 'Visualizing the fate of transplanted K14-Confetti corneal epithelia in a mouse model of limbal stem cell deficiency', in Visualizing the fate of transplanted K14-Confetti corneal epithelia in a mouse model of limbal stem cell deficiency, Hawaii, presented at ARVO Annual Meeting, Hawaii, 29 April 2018 - 03 May 2018, https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2690424&resultClick=1
    Conference Abstracts | 2017
    Bobba S; Devlin C; Di Girolamo N; Wakefield D; McCluskey P; Watson S, 2017, 'THE NATURE AND INCIDENCE OF CICATRISING CONJUNCTIVITIS: AN AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND OPHTHALMIC SURVEILLANCE UNIT STUDY', in CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, WILEY, Vol. 45, pp. 77 - 78, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000413690300093&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2017
    Bobba S; Di Girolamo N; Munsie M; Watson S, 2017, 'A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON STEM CELL THERAPY FOR OCULAR DISEASE', in CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, WILEY, Vol. 45, pp. 64 - 64, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000413690300069&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2017
    Oh L; Wong E; Beshay N; Di Girolamo N; Watson S, 2017, 'APPLICATIONS AND EFFICACY OF TOPICAL N-ACETYL-CYSTEINE IN A TERTIARY EYE REFERRAL CENTRE', in CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, WILEY, Vol. 45, pp. 94 - 94, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000413690300134&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Papers | 2017
    Richardson A; Eld DW; Di Girolamo N, 2017, 'Keratin-14+progenitor cells contribute to corneal epithelial maintenance', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, MD, Baltimore, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology (ARVO), MD, Baltimore, 07 May 2017 - 11 May 2017, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000432176303001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Posters | 2016
    Bobba S; Di Girolamo N; Watson SL, 2016, 'AN AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND OPHTHALMIC SURVEILLANCE UNIT STUDY OF THE INCIDENCE AND NATURE OF SEVERE LIMBAL STEM CELL DEFICIENCY', Vol. 44, pp. 88 - 88, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000387788100119&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2016
    Bobba S; Di Girolamo N; Watson SL, 2016, 'MID-TERM OUTCOMES OF THERAPY FOR LIMBAL STEM CELL DEFICIENCY UTILISING AN AUTOLOGOUS XENO-FREE TRANSPLANTATION TECHNIQUE', in CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, WILEY-BLACKWELL, Vol. 44, pp. 64 - 65, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000387788100073&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2016
    Delic NC; Lobo EP; di Girolamo N; Halliday GM; Lyons JG, 2016, 'THE EFFECTS OF UV EXPOSURE ON CORNEAL EPITHELIAL REGENERATION AND MAINTENANCE', in WOUND REPAIR AND REGENERATION, WILEY-BLACKWELL, Vol. 24, pp. A25 - A25, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000392825000113&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2016
    Di Girolamo N; Eghtedari Y; Richardson A; Mai K; Heng B; Guillemin G; Wakefield D, 2016, 'Characterizing Human Fetal Corneal Epithelial Stem Cells for Ocular Surface Reconstruction', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, WA, Seattle, Vol. 57, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology (ARVO), WA, Seattle, 01 May 2016 - 05 May 2016, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000394174002297&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2016
    Heyworth A; Di Girolamo N; Carnt N; Keay L; Watson S, 2016, 'CLINICAL FEATURES AND DEMOGRAPHICS OF PATIENTS WITH LIMBAL STEM CELL DEFICIENCY ATTENDING CORNEAL OUTPATIENT CLINICS AT SYDNEY EYE HOSPITAL', in CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, WILEY-BLACKWELL, Vol. 44, pp. 89 - 89, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000387788100121&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2016
    Lobo EP; Delic NC; Richardson A; Raviraj V; Halliday GM; Di Girolamo N; Myerscough MR; Lyons JG, 2016, 'THE IMPORTANCE OF STEM CELL LOCATION TO THE MAINTENANCE OF CORNEAL EPITHELIAL HOMEOSTASIS, UV RADIATION RESPONSES AND TRANSPLANTATION', in WOUND REPAIR AND REGENERATION, WILEY-BLACKWELL, Vol. 24, pp. A25 - A25, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000392825000112&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2016
    Oh L; Di Girolamo N; Watson S, 2016, 'N-ACETYL-CYSTEINE IN OCULAR THERAPY: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE', in CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, WILEY-BLACKWELL, Vol. 44, pp. 84 - 85, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000387788100110&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Posters | 2016
    Richardson A; Di Girolamo N; Eghtedari Y; Mai K; Wakefield D; Heng B; Guillemin G, 2016, 'Characterizing Human Fetal Corneal Epithelial Stem Cells for Ocular Surface Reconstruction', presented at ARVO Annual Meeting, 01 May 2016 - 05 May 2016, https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2559669&resultClick=1
    Conference Abstracts | 2016
    Watson SL; Bobba S; Di Girolamo N, 2016, 'Nature and Incidence of End-Stage Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency in Australia and New Zealand', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, WA, Seattle, Vol. 57, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology (ARVO), WA, Seattle, 01 May 2016 - 05 May 2016, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000394210602352&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2015
    Di Girolamo N; Wilkinson A; Kawaguchi N; Geczy CL, 2015, 'Identification and Partial Characterization of Rare S100A8 and S100A9 Expressing Cells in the Human Limbal Stroma', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, CO, Denver, Vol. 56, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology (ARVO), CO, Denver, 03 May 2015 - 07 May 2015, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000362882204386&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Di Girolamo N; Bobba S; Raviraj V; Slapetova I; Nicovich PR; Halliday GM; Wakefield D; Whan R; Lyon G, 2014, 'Tracing the fate of limbal epithelial progenitor cells and their progeny in the murine cornea', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000433199701042&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Papers | 2008
    Goyette JD; Yan WX; Lim SY; Di Girolamo N; Geczy C, 2008, 'Does S100A12 activate mast cells and monocytes/macrophages via rage?', in Cytokine, Academic Press Ltd Elsevier Science Ltd, London, England, pp. 293 - 294, presented at Cytokine
    Conference Papers | 2007
    Nguyen HV; Di Girolamo N; Tedla NT; Jackson N; Geczy C; Hampartzoumian T; Bullpitt P; Wakefield D, 2007, 'Roles of mast cells and ultraviolet radiation in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus', in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, BMJ Publishing Group, London, England, pp. 312 - 312, presented at Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2007), Barcelona, Spain, 13 June 2007 - 16 June 2007
    Conference Papers | 2003
    Di Girolamo N; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D, 2003, 'The UVB-elicited induction of MMP-1 in pterygium epithelial cells is mediated through a MAPK-dependent pathway', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, FLORIDA, FT LAUDERDALE, pp. U315 - U315, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology, FLORIDA, FT LAUDERDALE, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000184606801273&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Papers | 2003
    Lan JX; Kumar RK; Di Girolamo N; McCluskey P; Wakefield D, 2003, 'Expression and distribution of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in the human iris and ciliary body', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, FLORIDA, FT LAUDERDALE, pp. U209 - U209, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology, FLORIDA, FT LAUDERDALE, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000184606800666&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Papers | 2003
    Nolan TM; Di Girolamo N; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D, 2003, 'The effects of ultraviolet irradiation on growth factor expression in pterygium', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, FLORIDA, FT LAUDERDALE, pp. U315 - U315, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology, FLORIDA, FT LAUDERDALE, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000184606801272&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Papers | 2003
    Sachdev NH; Di Girolamo N; McCluskey PJ; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D, 2003, 'Matrix Metalloproteinases in human fetal lens development', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, FLORIDA, FT LAUDERDALE, pp. U337 - U337, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology, FLORIDA, FT LAUDERDALE, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000184606801373&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Papers | 2001
    Di Girolamo N; Coroneo MT; Wakefield D, 2001, 'UVB modulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin -6, and -8 in pterygium epithelial cells', in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Association of Research Vision Ophthalmology Inc, Rockville, MD, USA, pp. 907 - 907, presented at ARVO 2001: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 29 April 2001 - 04 May 2001
    Conference Papers | 2001
    Sachdev NH; Di Girolamo N; Jennings A; Mccluskey P; Wakefield D; Coroneo MT, 2001, 'Pathogenesis of lens dislocation in Marfan`s Syndrome: role of matrix metalloproteinases in fibrillin degradation', in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Association of Research Vision Ophthalmology Inc, Rockville, MD, USA, pp. 877 - 877, presented at ARVO 2001: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 29 April 2001 - 04 May 2001
    Conference Papers | 1997
    Di Girolamo N; Lloyd AR; Mccluskey P; Wakefield D, 1997, 'Metalloproteinases and mast cell tryptase in scleritis', in 4th International Symposium on Uveitis, Yokohama, Japan, presented at 4th International Symposium on Uveitis, Yokohama, Japan, 01 October 1997
    Conference Papers | 1997
    Di Girolamo N; Mccluskey P; Lloyd AR; Wakefield D, 1997, 'Matrix metalloproteinases and mast cell tryptase in scleritis.', in 4th International Symposium on Uveitis, Yokohama, Japan, pp. 103 - 105, presented at 4th International Symposium on Uveitis, Yokohama, Japan, 01 October 1997

Research Grants (2015-Current )

2015

UNSW Goldstar Award

Mapping the fate of corneal epithelial stem cells in health and disease

CIA-Di Girolamo N.

$40,000 total

 

2015

Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia

ORIA/Renensson Bequest Grant

Destiny of limbal epithelial stem cells in the normal cornea

CIA-Di Girolamo N.

$50,000 total

 

2015-2016

Kylaco PTY LTD

Spondyathropathies (spas) peptide vaccine

CIA-Marcal, CIB-Wakefiled, CIC-Di Girolamo

$200,000 total

 

2016-2019

NHMRC Project Grant APP1101078

Mapping the dynamics of corneal stem cells during aging and after wounding and transplantation

CIA-Di Girolamo, CIB-Watson, CIC-Wakefield

$548,903 total

 

2016

UNSW Goldstar Award

Methods to mark and graft corneal stem cells to treat blindness

CIA-Di Girolamo N.

$40,000 total

 

2016-2017

Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney

Improving clinical outcomes for patients receiving corneal stem cell grafts

CIA-Di Girolamo N.

$100,000

 

2016-2017

Sao Paolo State Foundation for Research Support

Culturing human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on Nanoskin scaffolds for ocular surface reconstruction

Schellini, Viveiros, Rainho, da Silva, Ximenes, Padovani, Basmaji, de Olyveira, Di Girolamo

AUD $75,000

 

2017-2018

Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation

Development of a vaccine to treat HLA B27 spondylarthritis (SpA)

CIA-Wakefield, CIB-Di Girolamo, CIC-Tedla

AUD $50,000

 

2018

Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia

ORIA/Ivy May Stephenson Grant

A novel native scaffold for corneal epithelial regeneration

CIA-Di Girolamo N.

$49,500 total

 

2018-2019

Australia Research Council (ARC) Strategic Research Initiative Award

SR1101002 Stem Cell Australia: Transitioning into the future

Consortium of 65 CIs from 9 Australian Stakeholder Institutions and Partner Organizations (actual funds received $124,500)

$3,000,000 total

 

2019-2023      

NHMRC Project Grant APP1156944

Improving diagnostics and therapeutics for corneal blindness

CIA-Di Girolamo, CIB-Watson, CIC-Wakefield

$827,204 total

 

2019-2021

Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Accelerator Research Stem Cell Program

Stem cells for sight: building the pathway from the lab to the clinic

Watson, Di Girolamo, O’Connor, Munsie, Jamieson, Chow, Harkin

$425,000 total

 

2021-2022      

Diabetes Australia. A Novel treatment for type 1 diabetes that regenerates sensory nerves: using the eye as a model. 

CIA-Di Girolamo, CIB-Rye, CIC-Cochran, CID-Park

$60,000

 

2021-2024

NHMRC Project Grant GNT2004064

Preservation and generation of beta cells in T1D with novel mimetic peptides.

CIA-Rye, CIB-Cochran, CIC-Remaley, CID-Devalaraja, AI1-Di Girolamo, AI2-Thomas, AI3-Witting, AI4-Whan, AI5-Wilkins, AI6-Powell.

$1,096,055

 

2021-2024

US Department of Defense. Vision Research Program. Investigator Initiated Research Award.

VR200025 Sight-restoring therapy for corneal injuries sustained on the battlefield from

chemical warfare.

PI-Di Girolamo, Co-PI-Park, Co-PI-Carnell, Co-PI-Watson, Co-PI-Males

$1,006,300 total

 

 

  1. ABC’s New Inventors (02-06-09) Episode winner and People’s Choice.
  2. Finalist and winner (23-11-09) of “Less is More Award” awarded to an inventor whose invention impacts the community or environment.
  3. Finalist 2010 UNSW Inventor of the Year (Biomedical)
  4. First Prize, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology ARVO-Scientific Image Contest winner. 2016 Migrating Multicolored Corneal Epithelia
  5. School of Medical Sciences, Researcher of the Year (2019)
  6. ARVO-Fellow 2022

Corneal stem cell transplantation

One arm of our research program involves identifying, isolating and cultivating human and murine corneal epithelial stem cells. We believe this accomplishment will help us understand how the ocular surface is replenished and maintained in a healthy transparent state under normal physiological conditions and following trauma. Identifying markers for these rare but important cell is key, and to this end, we are performing cutting-edge single cell RNA sequencing experiments with appropriate analyses whilst conducting validation studies. We also hope to also identify better culture conditions and better carrier-scaffolds for these cells because the aim is to generate better quality, more effective stem cell grafts to treat patients with severe corneal diseases that result in blindness.

 

Developing diagnostic tools for patients with corneal disease

Another area we are interested in pursuing is to develop minimally invasive diagnostic and prognostic in-office tests for patients with corneal diseases. Here, we have focus on corneal nerves because we believe their features (e.g., density, length, thickness, branching, etc) will provide valuable ‘structural’ information about local (corneal) and systemic (whole body) health. To this end, we have developed an image segmentation algorithm for the auto-detection and computation of corneal nerve characteristics in the mouse and are poised to develop and measure the same nerve parameters using Machine Learning using clinical in vivo confocal microscopy images from patients.

 

Corneal Wound Healing

The third arm of our research program focuses on understanding the mechanisms of wound-healing in the cornea and to devise better therapies to treat patients with persistent corneal epithelial defects. Patients with such conditions do not require a cell or tissue replacement strategy so we are searching for corneal wound healing factors that can be dispensed to accelerate re-epithelialisation, thereby preventing infection and other complications. Notably, we have also identified uncommon and unreported non-tumourgenic transformation phenomena on the corneal surface, some of which are pathological and some that might be physiological, i.e., attempt to self-resolve. Our goal is to characterise these curiosities and potentially reverse them if they are pathological or indeed encourage them if they partake in regeneration. These investigations are carried out using pre-clinical animal models.

 

Dry Eye Disease

The fourth arm of our research program focuses on developing clinically relevant animal models of dry eye disease to understanding how this disease evolves, the ocular surface cell types involved in its pathogenesis and importantly developing treatment options that can be used on patients with this condition.

My Research Supervision

  1. Lina Sprgyote (PhD; UNSW, 2021- current); Role, Primary Supervisor
  2. Stanley Wu (Scientia PhD; UNSW, 2020-current): Role, Associate Supervisor

My Teaching

Phase I Medicine Undergraduate teaching MFAC1501