Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) has granted Oleg Alekseev, MD, PhD, assistant professor of ophthalmology, a $350,000 RPB Career Development Award to support eye research. The support is provided over a four-year period for the project, “Gene-agnostic therapy for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa.”
Various forms of inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs), including retinitis pigmentosa, affect over 2 million people worldwide. IRDs damage the retina and gradually cause vision loss. These conditions are caused by thousands of mutations in several hundred genes. The extraordinary genetic diversity poses a major challenge for developing effective, broadly applicable treatments. Alekseev is focused on a mutation-independent therapeutic strategy that targets the accumulation of misfolded and misdirected proteins in photoreceptor cells.
“This grant marks a pivotal moment in our pursuit of treatments for inherited retinal diseases,” said Alekseev, assistant professor of ophthalmology. “By advancing a mutation-independent strategy, we’re tackling the genetic complexity that has long hindered progress in this field. Our goal is to develop a broadly effective therapy that can help preserve vision for patients across a wide range of genetic backgrounds.”
Alekseev’s research is investigating ways to enhance proteasome activity—the cell’s natural protein degradation system—to improve clearance of these toxic proteins. This approach has the potential to preserve photoreceptor function across a wide range of IRDs, laying critical groundwork for the development of next-generation therapies for dominant forms of retinal degeneration.
“This research supported by RPB exemplifies our commitment to advancing innovative, high-impact science that addresses urgent medical challenges. By targeting a common mechanism underlying many genetic forms of vision loss, this project has the potential to transform treatment for millions worldwide,” said Edward G. Buckey, MD, Chair Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine.
The RPB Career Development Award was established in 1990 to support outstanding early-career researchers in making critical discoveries and launching their careers as independent investigators, with the support of a mentorship team. To date, 255 vision research scientists in departments of ophthalmology at universities across the country have received Career Development Awards.
Since it was founded, RPB has channeled more than $429 million into eye research. As a result, RPB has been identified with nearly every major breakthrough in vision research in that time. For information on RPB’s grants program, listings of RPB institutional and individual grantees, and findings generated by these awards, go to www.rpbusa.org.