Prof. Dr. Alexa Klettner | UKSH Kiel | Germany
👩🔬 Alexa Karina Klettner is a University Professor of Experimental Retinology at Kiel University in Germany, specializing in age-related macular degeneration. With a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences and a Habilitation in Experimental Ophthalmology, she investigates cellular pathological pathways and innovative therapeutics. Her work extends to developing advanced research models for retinal diseases. An advocate for international collaboration, Alexa has partnered with institutions worldwide and published over 95 PubMed articles. Her pioneering research on retinal health and ocular biomarkers significantly impacts the field of ophthalmology.
Professional Profile:
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Suitability for Best Researcher Award
Alexa Karina Klettner is a distinguished University Professor of Experimental Retinology at Kiel University, Germany, specializing in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Her academic journey is marked by a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences and a Habilitation in Experimental Ophthalmology, reflecting her deep expertise and commitment to retinal research. Her focus on cellular pathological pathways and innovative therapeutics addresses critical challenges in AMD, contributing significantly to the understanding and potential treatment of this vision-threatening condition.
Education and Experience:
🎓 Diploma in Biology – Equivalent to Master of Science
🎓 Ph.D. in Natural Sciences – Specialized in Experimental Ophthalmology
🎓 Habilitation – Advanced German academic qualification exceeding Ph.D.
👩🏫 University Professor – Experimental Retinology, Kiel University, Germany
🌍 Adjunct Professor – University of Cairo, Egypt
🔬 Researcher – Focused on macular degeneration, therapeutic development, and advanced research models
Professional Development:
🔬 Alexa Karina Klettner has significantly contributed to understanding retinal cell pathology and innovative therapeutic approaches, particularly in age-related macular degeneration. Her work on the effects of VEGF inhibitors and inflammatory RPE activation has influenced modern ophthalmological treatments. Additionally, she pioneered the development of RPE/choroid organ cultures and porcine retinal cell cultures, advancing research models. Through international collaborations and participation in multinational projects like FucoSan and AlgaeProBanos, Alexa has driven global research initiatives. Her commitment to blue bioeconomy and alternatives to animal experimentation demonstrates her forward-thinking approach in experimental retinology.
Research Focus:
👁️ Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) – Investigating cellular pathological pathways and developing new therapeutics.
🧪 Inflammatory Activation – Exploring inflammatory RPE activation and its interaction with innate immune cells.
💉 Therapeutic Innovation – Researching VEGF inhibitors’ (side-)effects and introducing novel treatments for subretinal hemorrhage.
🔬 Advanced Research Models – Creating RPE/choroid organ cultures and porcine retinal cell cultures for enhanced disease modeling.
🌊 Blue Bioeconomy – Integrating marine-derived compounds like fucoidan as potential retinal disease therapeutics.
🧠 Neuroscience & Biomarkers – Discovering ocular biomarkers linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s.
Awards and Honors:
🏆 Leonard-Klein Award – For developing new treatment procedures for subretinal hemorrhage.
🌍 International Collaborations – Leading multinational research projects and bilateral cooperations.
📊 H-index: 28 – Reflecting impactful contributions to ophthalmology research.
📚 Books Published – Authored 4 books contributing to the field of retinology and experimental ophthalmology.
🌐 Editorial Appointments – Served on editorial boards, influencing ophthalmic research publication standards.
Publication Top Notes:
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📘 Effects of Fucoidans on Activated Retinal Microglia – 2024 – 📊
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📘 A systematic review of the cell death mechanisms in retinal pigment epithelium cells and photoreceptors after subretinal hemorrhage – Implications for treatment options – 2023 – 📊 2 citations
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📘 Establishment of specific age-related macular degeneration relevant gene expression panels using porcine retinal pigment epithelium for assessing fucoidan bioactivity – 2023 – 📊 4 citations
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📘 Comparison of Fucoidans from Saccharina latissima Regarding Age-Related Macular Degeneration Relevant Pathomechanisms in Retinal Pigment Epithelium – 2023 – 📊 6 citations
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📘 Anti-inflammatory properties of antiangiogenic fucoidan in retinal pigment epithelium cells – 2023 – 📊 3 citations
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📘 Interaction of High-Molecular Weight Fucoidan from Laminaria hyperborea with Natural Functions of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium – 2023 – 📊 8 citations
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📘 Properties of Cephalopod Skin Ommochromes to Inhibit Free Radicals, and the Maillard Reaction and Retino-Protective Mechanisms in Cellular Models Concerning Oxidative Stress, Angiogenesis, and Inflammation – 2022 – 📊 7 citations