Rhodopsin incorporation into rod cells
We investigate how rhodopsin is incorporated into nascent discs in the rod outer segments, and how changing lighting conditions or knocking out important rod outer segment channels changes rhodopsin incorporation in mouse photoreceptors.
Rod outer segments (ROS) undergo renewal daily. We created a rhodopsin reporter (Rho-Timer) to track endogenous rhodopsin in mature ROS.
Calcium's effect on photoreceptors
We aim to understand calcium dynamics in normal and diseased rod photoreceptor cells by using a genetically encoded ratiometric calcium indicator.
Rod photoreceptor cells expressing Salsa6f (GCaMP6f-TdTomato)
Retinal phenotypes in Huntington's Disease
We are using cell and mouse models to examine the potential diagnostic and therapeutic value of novel peptides that bind to mutant huntingtin aggregates. This involves using immunohistochemistry to visualize peptide binder localization, as well as behavioral studies to assess changes in mice after adminstration of the peptide therapy.
The Effect of Glutamate Release on Synaptic Plasticity
Signal transmission from photoreceptors (rods and cones) to downstream bipolar cells requires a specific voltage-dependant calcium channel (CaV1.4). We created a mouse model where we knock out the CaV1.4 channels, blocking photoreceptor signaling to the rest of the retina. We aim to investigate how diminished glutamate release from photoreceptor synaptic terminals affects downstream retinal circuitry.
