Molecular Genetics of Human Vision
The retina is a sheet of
light-sensing cells that convert complex external visual stimuli to
electrical and chemical signals. The signals generated by the retina
are then transmitted to the brain to form visual images. Collectively,
retinal degeneration is the most common cause of irreversible visual
loss in the developed world.
The overall goal of our research
program is to discover novel genes and gain insights into molecular
mechanisms of retinal degeneration including macular degeneration,
retinitis pigmentosa and a host of other diseases.
Click on the links below to learn more about research projects under current investigation:
Latest News:
Shanghai International Ophthalmology Symposium 2008
For more information on the Shanghai International Ophthalmology Symposium 2008, please click here.
Dr Zhang recieves Burroughs Wellcome Fund
The John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah is pleased to
announce that Kang Zhang, MD, PhD, has been selected as a recipient of
the prestigious Burroughs Welcome Fund (BWF) Clinical Scientist Award
in Translational Research. The Award includes $150,000 support a year
for five years (a total of $750,000). Dr. Zhang is the third
ophthalmologist ever who has received this award in the BWF history.
Dr. Zhang plans to use this award to identify new genes and treatments
for diabetic microvascular complications.
[Read more]
