Humans of LMP, Programs: Graduate, Agile education, Research: Brain & Neuroscience, Research: Human development, aging & regenerative medicine, Impactful research, Inclusive community
Each month we speak to a member of the Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology community and find out more about them as part of an initiative from our Wellness, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee (WIDE).
This week is World Glaucoma Week where people all over the world raise awareness about the leading cause of preventable blindness. We're highlighting some of the amazing researchers in this field and spoke to Nathaniel Frost, an MSc student in the lab of Dr. Jeremy Sivak. Dr. Sivak holds the Glaucoma Research Chair at the Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, and is a Professor of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences and Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology at the University of Toronto.
What are you studying at LMP and why are you interested in studying it?
My research is centered around glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide that affects millions of patients every year. Despite existing treatments to manage intraocular pressure (IOP), many patients continue to lose vision, highlighting how much we still have to learn about the mechanisms that drive this disease.
Astrocytes are increasingly recognized as important contributors to optic nerve damage in glaucoma, and understanding their exact role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma feels like a crucial, missing piece of the puzzle. Astrocytes have been a throughline in my past couple years of research, showing up as an important player across different disease contexts, and I’m excited to continue exploring them here!
I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this effort, and I’m motivated by the hope that this work will eventually translate into a meaningful impact for patients.
Tell us about your research
My research is focused on examining the role of astrocyte reactivity in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, particularly how mechanical strain translates to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration.
Glaucoma is characterized by the progressive loss of RGCs, which transmit visual information to the brain via the optic nerve. In glaucoma, early damage to RGCs occurs at the lamina cribrosa (LC), a supportive network of collagenous tissue in the optic nerve head (ONH) formed and maintained by local astrocytes.
Astrocytes become reactive in the early stages of glaucoma, as shown in several models of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), the most significant risk factor for glaucoma. Reactive astrocytes respond to strain or injury by adopting morphological, functional, and molecular changes, which may contribute to RGC degeneration in glaucoma.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at LMP?
In the lab, learning all of the basics of cell culture has been a highlight - it’s wet lab work that I had no prior experience with, and there’s something exciting about building those skills from the ground up.
Outside of the lab, I’ve loved being involved in some of the LMP department’s social events, particularly their recent dodgeball tournament! See the dodgeball tournament reel on Instagram.
What was the best career advice you ever received?
The most useful piece of advice I’ve ever received is from my dad - to take life one day at a time. It’s more general life wisdom than career advice, but it has shaped how I approach everything, including my research. When times get tough and I feel overwhelmed, this mindset helps me stay grounded; a reminder that if you can get through today, you can get through every day.
What has been an important learning experience in your life?
As a whole, my undergraduate experience taught me how to be ambitious while still balancing many things on my plate. From serving as co-president on several U of T clubs, to working part-time, to my full-time academic studies, the challenges I faced in undergrad helped shape me into a much more resilient person.
Who is an influential person in your life and why?
Without question, my parents are my biggest influences. My mom has always pushed me to be driven and to give my best effort in everything I do, and has been a steady source of support no matter what path I choose to follow. My dad has shaped my taste in music and film, and our long-running Mario Kart rivalry has definitely made me a more competitive person. Together, they’ve shaped who I am in ways that I’m still discovering.
What might it surprise people to know about you?
When I was little, I was scouted to be a figure skater! Anyone who has seen me attempt to play sports nowadays would never guess it.
What activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I play in a couple of bands, either on alto saxophone or bass guitar. I have been playing saxophone with the Hart House Symphonic Band ever since undergrad, even having served as the club’s President for multiple years. Our next concert is at Hart House, March 29 at 8:30pm! See the event on the Hart House calendar.
What is your favourite album, film and novel?
Album: I would have to go with Art of Doubt by Metric as my all-time favourite, although other current contenders would include Faye Webster (self-titled) and Flower Boy by Tyler, the Creator.
Movie: Not a movie, but my favourite show is Better Call Saul - I’m currently on my 4th rewatch! Howard deserved better.
Novel: Since starting graduate school, I have become obsessed with reading science fiction. My favourite novels at the moment are Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky, and The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey.
Who would be your dream dinner guests?
Going for a very comedy-heavy dinner, I’d have to say Mark Hamill, John Mulaney, and Bob Odenkirk.
Where/what is your favourite place?
Prince Edward County/the Bay of Quinte in Eastern Ontario. I have plenty of fond memories with my family, when we used to vacation there in the summertime.
If you were stuck on a deserted island but had all your basic needs taken care of (i.e. food and water), what two items would you bring with you and why?
Give me my bass guitar and a speaker (with Spotify access), and I’ll have no problems passing the time.
