Deficits of pigmentation in the eye are implicated in numerous eye disorders, among which albinism is the most prominent. Recently, we found that melanin pigment synthesis (i.e. melanogenesis) is under circadian regulation in pigmented cells of the eye called retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In this proposal, we will test the hypothesis that by targeting the circadian clock, we can enhance melanogenesis which is beneficial to the RPE in cellular models of eye disease. This will be achieved by an interdisciplinary approach using bioinformatics, pharmacology, genetic engineering, molecular methods, high resolution imaging and stem cell technology utilizing albinism patient samples. The described experiments will elucidate the complex molecular interplay between the circadian clock and melanin biosynthesis in the eye. These findings are likely to advance the development of new treatments for age-related visual disorders.

2026

2030