Scott Plafker, Ph.D., R.Ph.
Education
Postdoctoral Training 1998-2003, University of Virginia School of Medicine
PhD 1998, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
BS Pharmacy 1992, Rutgers University College of Pharmacy
Research Review
The guiding principle of our research program is that diet and nutrition are the foundation of health and healthy aging. This means that food choices not only play a critical role in preventing and treating diseases but can also be an underlying cause of some ailments. We are particularly interested in understanding how diet contributes to diseases of the eye and how nutrition can be leveraged to prevent and treat vision loss. Our research focuses on two diseases that cause blindness: (1) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and (2) the optic neuritis associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Both of these diseases can culminate in irreversible blindness and dramatically reduce the quality of life for patients.
We have two major projects in the lab currently. One aims to identify the beneficial effects of sulforaphane, a compound found in green, leafy vegetables like broccoli, brussel sprouts and kale. Our studies are focused on determining the impact of sulforaphane on rejuvenating mitochondria, the energy producing organelles in our cells that decrease in function with aging and are widely believed to play a causal role in AMD onset and progression. A second project focuses on comparing the impact of high versus low carbohydrate diets on the motor and visual symptoms of MS. This work is being done using a mouse model that mimics many of the cardinal symptoms experienced by MS patients. It is our ultimate goal to empower patients with dietary information and practices that they can apply each day to improve and maintain their overall health and vision.
Plafker Lab
Scott Plafker, Ph.D., R.Ph.
Principal Investigator
Kendra S. Plafker
Lab Manager
Jocelyn (Josie) Roberts
Senior Research Technician
Katarzyna (Kasia) Zyla, MS
Graduate Student