About Dr. Dinculescu
PRINCIPAL Investigator/assistant professor
Astra Dinculescu, PhD.
Dr. Dinculescu received her PhD in Biochemistry from University of Florida in 2002. Her main research focus is on developing therapeutic approaches for Usher syndrome type 3, an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in Clarin-1 (CLRN1) gene, leading to progressive retinal degeneration and hearing loss. In addition, she studies the pathological processes affecting the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/Bruch’s membrane interface, and the mechanisms underlying the formation of drusen in age-related macular degeneration.

The Dinculesu Lab
See bottom of page for information on the individuals in our lab!

areas of interest
Usher Syndrome
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Recombinant AAV-mediated Gene Therapy
Protein Aggregation
Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
Lab Staff
Doctoral Fellow
Lei Xu, PhD.

Biological research scientist
Susan Bolch, PhD.
Scientist Emeritus
James Hugh McDowell, PhD.

Research tevhnician