Yuk Fai Leung, Ph.D.

Dept of Biological Sciences, Purdue University

Project:  Research in gene regulatory networks in retina and RPE
There have been many research studies that have identified the underlying genetic causes of retinal degenerative diseases. However, without a fundamental understanding of the development of retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), it would be difficult to elucidate the developmental mechanisms that are altered by these genes, not to mention designing effective treatments. Dr. Leung and his team are studying a novel irx7 (gene) regulatory network and its function in retinal development of zebra fish. Dr. Leung’s work will (1) elucidate the extent to which irx7 is regulating cellular differentiation in retina, and (2) clarify a framework of the irx7 regulatory network. This will greatly facilitate the investigation of molecular controls of normal zebra fish retinal development, which will in turn establish a strong scientific foundation for studying disease genes that cause retinal degeneration, and ultimately assist the design of better treatments for retinal degeneration.