Dr. Neoklis Makrides from Columbia University Awarded $90,000 Knights Templar Eye Foundation Grant for Retinal Ribbon Synapse Research

Dr. Neoklis Makrides from Columbia University located in New York, New York was awarded a grant for $90,000 for the research entitled: Heparan Sulfate proteoglycans in the maintenance of retinal ribbon synapse function.

Retinal signals to the brain are firstly conveyed through the specialized “ribbon” synapses, connecting rods with bipolar cells. Mutations in the proteins forming this intricate structure result in congenital stationary night blindness. Hence, it is imperative to elucidate the molecular interactions that provide the structural integrity of this synapse in an effort to identify potential therapeutic targets. Dr. Makrides shows that mice lacking a protein modifier, heparan sulfate, have a severe defect in this synaptic complex. To further understand the cause of this disruption, Dr. Makrides will identify the specific proteins that normally undergo this modification by the use of mouse model systems. In addition, he will further examine the mechanism by which this modification provides this support though testing its ability to bind with other structural compartments of the synapse. Elucidating this molecular interaction will shed a light in the heterogeneity of congenital stationary night blindness severities and provide us with novel strategies to treat these conditions.