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Featured Research
Data obtained from Eye-Bank research grants enable investigators to apply for larger grants at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Eye Institute (NEI), and other funding agencies. The following are major research projects funded by Midwest Eye-Banks.
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Debra Thompson, Ph.D.
Research by Debra Thompson, Ph.D. at the University of Michigan, has resulted in the discovery of a gene (RPE65) which, when defective, causes an inherited form of early childhood blindness. Funding provided by the Eye-Bank supported early research that led to this exciting discovery. Dr. Thompson received $1M from NEI to continue this important research.
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Simon Petersen-Jones
Based upon the results of the first-stage study funded by the Eye-Bank, Simon Petersen-Jones, DVM, Ph.D., (Michigan State University) is defining exactly how the RPE65 defective gene causes retinal disease. He hopes to develop a treatment to prevent this mutation.
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Michelle Kurpakus-Wheater, Ph.D.
Michelle Kurpakus-Wheater, Ph.D. (Wayne State University) is studying a protein that may help prevent the detachment of corneal (epithelial) cells during periods of stress and injury.
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Robert Frank, M.D.
Robert Frank, M.D. (Wayne State University) is searching for the gene that causes diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages the retina and is the leading cause of blindness and vision impairment in the US.
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Dr. Guillermo Scicli
New research by Dr. Guillermo Scicli (Henry Ford Health Systems Eye Research Laboratories) indicates that treatments with certain medications used to treat high blood pressure may help delay or prevent the development of diabetic retinopathy.
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Sayoko Moroi, M.D., Ph.D.
Pharmacogenetics uses information on variations in the genes to understand why individuals vary in their response to drugs. Typically, genes that are studied include the drug target genes and the genes that break down the drugs. By studying the relationship between these gene variations and response to drugs, Sayoko Moroi, M.D., Ph.D., and her collaborators will understand why patients with glaucoma vary in their response to different drug treatments. Her research could help to determine the optimal therapy for the patient. Eye-Bank support has allowed Dr. Moroi to gather important pilot data to advance this project.
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