Rafael Ufret-Vincenty, M.D.
Vision depends on the delicate orchestration of many complex processes in the retina. While fortunately there are many compensatory mechanisms in place to protect eyesight, there are some molecules that are irreplaceable for normal retinal function. Finding these molecules is important in understanding retinal degeneration diseases and essential signaling pathways that may represent therapeutic targets.
In his latest paper in Scientific Reports, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology Rafael Ufret-Vincenty, M.D., and his research team used a state-of-the-art forward genetics approach to identify Herc3 for the first time as an essential molecule for retinal health. They then generated mice deficient in this molecule and characterized the resulting damage to the retina. This new model of retinal degeneration will help researchers examine the importance of ubiquitination processes and retinal microglial activation in maintaining retinal health. This may have implications for multiple eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy, retinal dystrophies, and macular degeneration.