Dr. Seoyoung Son from Wayne State University Awarded $90,000 Knights Templar Eye Foundation Grant for Visual Development Research

Dr. Seoyoung Son from the Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Detroit, Michigan was awarded a $90,000 grant entitled: Determining the role of cPcdh isoforms in retinal axon morphogenesis and circuit formation.

Our perception of the world is influenced by intricate circuits connecting our sensory organs and the brain. These circuits comprise different types of nerve cells that establish connections with each other during the brain’s developmental process. Dr. Son will unravel how a family of molecules called the clustered protocadherins (cPcdhs) influence the development of the visual system and potentially impact pediatric eye diseases. Specifically, she is focusing on a subtype known as g-Pcdhs and their role in shaping the behavior of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the cells responsible for transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain. These connections are disrupted in eye disorders including amblyopia. Using a unique mutant model that allows her to preserve cell survival while altering cPcdh diversity, she aims to understand how these molecules influence the morphology and connections of RGCs.

Her approach involves advanced techniques, such as genetically labeling specific cell types with synthetic promoters and using tracers to identify connected neurons. Ultimately, this research holds promise for providing insights into the underlying causes of pediatric eye diseases influenced by neurodevelopmental factors. By understanding the intricate mechanisms involving cPcdhs, Dr. Son hopes to contribute to the development of future therapeutic strategies for conditions affecting the visual system in children.