Erika T. Camacho

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Research

Fulbright Award Testimonial, 2023

Fulbright Scholar At L'Institut de la Vision

As a Fulbright scholar and visiting scholar conducting research at the Institut de la Vision (IDV) in Paris in 2022-2023, I am investigating pathways in the rods and cones that may help us understand how cones and rods developed (in an evolutionary sense) to the interdependent system that we see today.
https://news.asu.edu/20220726-2-asu-math-professors-earn-prestigious-fulbright-scholar-awards

MyNCBI Biobliography



Publications listed in CV


Camacho, et al., 2019. A mathematical analysis of aerobic glycolysis
triggered by glucose uptake in cones. Scientific reports, 9(1).

Cone Photoreceptors-



Cone photoreceptors are one of the most energy-demanding cells in the body and are responsible for day vision and acuity. They produce their energy through aerobic glycolysis, which is the same process used by cancer cells. We model aspects of aerobic glycolysis and examine pathways in an effort to better understand key mechanisms in this important process.

Some publications:

  • Dobreva, A., Camacho, E.T., Larripa, K., Rǎdulescu, A., Schmidt, D.R. and Trejo, I., 2022. Insights into pathological mechanisms and interventions revealed by analyzing a mathematical model for cone metabolism. Bioscience Reports, 42(3), p.BSR20212457.

  • Camacho, E.T., Dobreva, A., Larripa, K., Rǎdulescu, A., Schmidt, D. and Trejo, I., 2021. Mathematical modeling of retinal degeneration: aerobic glycolysis in a single cone. Using Mathematics to Understand Biological Complexity: From Cells to Populations, pp.135-178.

  • Camacho, E.T., Brager, D., Elachouri, G., Korneyeva, T., Millet-Puel, G., Sahel, J.A. and Léveillard, T., 2019. A mathematical analysis of aerobic glycolysis triggered by glucose uptake in cones. Scientific reports, 9(1), p.4162.




    • Camacho, Punzo, & Wirkus, 2016. Quantifying the metabolic contribution to
    photoreceptor death in retinitis pigmentosa via a mathematical model.
    Journal of theoretical biology, 408.

    Photoreceptor Degeneration and Retinitis Pigmentosa–



    Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a term used to describe the heterogeneous group of inherited blindness. While most mutations occur in the rod photoreceptors, the progression of the disease is similar regardless of the mutation–the rods begin to die and when most have been lost, the cones then begin to die. As rods are responsible for night vision and peripheral vision in humans, many people don't report problems soon enough. There is currently no cure for RP and mathematical models provide insight into ways that may slow the loss of photoreceptors.

    Some Publications:

  • Camacho, E.T., Lenhart, S., Melara, L.A., Villalobos, M.C. and Wirkus, S., 2020. Optimal control with MANF treatment of photoreceptor degeneration. Mathematical Medicine and Biology: A Journal of the IMA, 37(1), pp.1-21.

  • Camacho, E.T., Punzo, C. and Wirkus, S.A., 2016. Quantifying the metabolic contribution to photoreceptor death in retinitis pigmentosa via a mathematical model. Journal of theoretical biology, 408, pp.75-87.

  • Camacho, E.T., Melara, L.A., Villalobos, M.C. and Wirkus, S., 2014. Optimal control in the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa. Bulletin of mathematical biology, 76, pp.292-313.

  • Camacho, E.T. and Wirkus, S., 2013. Tracing the progression of retinitis pigmentosa via photoreceptor interactions. Journal of theoretical biology, 317, pp.105-118.

    • Math Models of Photoreceptor Interactions–

    The rod and cone photoreceptors together with the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) function as a critical and interdependent unit in the vision process. Failures in any one of the them can have a cascading effect on all of them. We seek to mathematically model the processes that make this unit work in order to gain insight into their failures.

    Some Publications

  • Aparicio, A., Camacho, E.T., Philp, N.J. and Wirkus, S.A., 2022. A mathematical model of GLUT1 modulation in rods and RPE and its differential impact in cell metabolism. Scientific reports, 12(1), p.10645.

  • Camacho, E.T., Léveillard, T., Sahel, J.A. and Wirkus, S., 2016. Mathematical model of the role of RdCVF in the coexistence of rods and cones in a healthy eye. Bulletin of mathematical biology, 78, pp.1394-1409.

  • Wifvat, K., Camacho, E.T., Wirkus, S. and Léveillard, T., 2021. The role of RdCVFL in a mathematical model of photoreceptor interactions. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 520, p.110642.

  • Camacho, E.T., Vélez, M.A.C., Hernández, D.J., Bernier, U.R., Van Laarhoven, J. and Wirkus, S., 2010. A mathematical model for photoreceptor interactions. Journal of theoretical biology, 267(4), pp.638-646.

  • Vélez, M.A.C., Hernández, D.J., Bernier, U.R., Van Laarhoven, J. and Camacho, E.T., 2003. Mathematical models for photoreceptor interactions. Cornell University, Dept. of Biological Statistics & Computational Biology, Technical Report, BU-1640-M.
    • Aparicio, Camacho, et al. 2022. A mathematical model of GLUT1 modulation in rods
    and RPE and its differential impact in cell metabolism    . Scientific reports, 12(1).


    Links to some recorded research presentations:

  • The Role of Cone Metabolism in Mitigating Blindness, Jan 29, 2021, AWM 50th Anniversary Inaugural speaker, We Speak: Inspiring Women in Math Speaker Series.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK3yj0Ak_d8

  • The Role of Cone Metabolism in Mitigating Blindness, Apr 30, 2021, Cornell University, CAM Notable Alumni Lecture Series Speaker.
    "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TsX_518U40"

  • Modeling Photoreceptor Death and Rescue, April 2015, Latinos in Mathematics Conference, IPAM, CA.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fvu388UnmM&t=3s