About our Labs!
Dinculescu Lab
The Dinculescu Lab is developing new USH3 models for the advancement the treatment of Usher Syndrome. Other areas include Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Recombinant AAV-mediated Gene Therapy.
Ildefonso Lab
Li Lab
Our research goal is to understand the pathogenesis of diabetic Retinopathy and to develop more effective therapies for treatment of this condition, with a particular focus on the targeting ocular renin angiotensin system.
Smith Lab
The principal focus of the Smith laboratory is on the molecular biochemistry and cell biology of the eye, with particular emphasis on the retina.
Recent News
The Ercc1-/Δ mouse model of XFE progeroid…
Congratulations to Drs. Seok H. Min and William Hauswirth, on the publication of “The Ercc1-/Δ mouse model of XFE progeroid syndrome…
Acyl-CoA synthetase 6 controls rod photoreceptor…
Congratulations to Dr. Yixiao Wang and her mentor Dr. Ekaterina Lobanova on the publication of “Acyl-CoA synthetase 6 controls rod photoreceptor…
International Symposium on Retinal Degeneration
The University of Florida was well represented at the twentieth meeting of the International Symposium on Retinal Degeneration held in Torremolinos…
groundbreaking gene therapy research
AAV Vectors from UF’s Department of Ophthalmology were the first to:
1994 RGTG established
1997 Show in vivo transduction of photoreceptors
1998 Mediate rescue of a dominant retinal disease in animals
1999 Show that neurotrophic agents can slow retinal degeneration
2001 Mediate rescue of a recessive retinal disease in animals
2002 Show benefit against retinal neurovascular disease.
2002 Show anti apoptotics can slow retinal degenerative disease
2002 Mediate therapy for mitochondrial retinal disease
2006 Show safety in formal rodent and non-human primate studies
2006 Mediate rescue of X-linked retinal disease in animals
2007 Show cortical benefit after retinal gene therapy
2009 Mediate restoration of color vision in a primate model of color blindness