Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Low vision is a form of visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or surgery. A potential cause of low vision is the defective function of the retina, a paper-thin, complex neurosensory structure lining the inside of the eye. The retina detects and processes visual information before relaying it to the brain. This processing is mediated by distinct retinal circuits, which are formed by five classes and more than 60 distinct neuronal cell types comprising millions of cells in the retina. My research aims to understand how these cell types are generated during embryogenesis, as defects in this process can lead to impaired retinal signaling and contribute to low vision. Specifically, my work focuses on a gene called Vsx1, which is involved in the formation of a retinal cell class known as bipolar cells. These interneurons transmit visual information from light-detecting photoreceptor cells to other neurons within the retina. Bipolar cell dysfunction is one form of retinal defect that may underlie low vision. Proper gene regulation is essential for accurate embryonic development, and my research will explore the mechanisms of Vsx1 gene regulation. I will generate genetically modified mouse models to test the hypothesis that the repression of VSX1 protein synthesis is required at certain stages of development to ensure the optimal timing of VSX1 activity and normal bipolar cell function. This project aims to provide insights into the regulation of Vsx1 during normal retinal development and may reveal a link between bipolar cell dysfunction and low vision. Since Vsx1 is also present in other parts of the brain and central nervous system, the knowledge gained from this work may additionally contribute to understanding and treating diseases beyond the retina.