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Institute for Research in Ophthalmology - IRO

Our research is dedicated to decipher the intracellular signals involved in cell survival and cell death in inherited retinal diseases including Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). Human RPE65-mediated LCA is a rod-cone dystrophy characterized by severe retinal defects in the first decades of life, mostly attributed to the loss of rod and cone photoreceptors.

While light-independent residual phototransduction cascade triggers Bax-dependent rod apoptosis, the nature of cone dysfunction still remains unknown. Identification of the molecular mechanisms in retinal cell death will contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of retinal degeneration and to the development of novel molecular therapeutic approaches.

Methodology

  • Molecular biology and cellular assays
  • Mouse models of inherited retinal degeneration
  • Immunohistochemistry

Scientific Cooperations

  • Cooperation 1
    Dr. François Paquet-Durand (Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Tuebingen university, Germany)
  • Cooperation 2
    Prof. Debra Thompson (Kellogg Eye Center, Michigan University, USA)

Current Research Projects

  • Project 1
    Molecular mechanisms and death pathways in degenerating cones in Rpe65-LCA mouse model
  • Project 2
    Survival signals and role of autophagic response against Rpe65-related rod apoptosis
  • Project 3
    Efficiency of inhibitory peptides to prevent photoreceptor degeneration

Group Leader

Sandra Cottet
[more information]

Contact

Institute for Research in Ophthalmology

Avenue Grand-Champsec 64
1950 Sion
Switzerland

Phone: +41 (0)27 205 79 06
Fax: +41 (0)27 205 79 01

E-mail:
sandra.cottet[at]irovision.ch

Website:
www.irovision.ch

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