Biology and Chemistry of Vision

For 40 years, this conference has been the premier meeting for studying photoreceptors and their supporting cells. It represents unique opportunities to propel new developments in vision research, articulate pressing questions, and foster new collaborations.

This year’s program will focus on diseases of the retina, which affects approximately three million Americans, one-third of whom are blind. In many of these conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa, blindness is caused by the loss of rod and cone photoreceptor cells. The development of treatments for these conditions depends on scientific advances and our deepening understanding of photoreceptor biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics.

The goal of this conference is the open exchange of new research findings within the community of vision scientists and the cultivation of early-career researchers and those from historically excluded groups to continue the study of photoreceptor biology and pathobiology for the next generation. Special consideration will be given to researchers from these groups for presentation slots and “Data Blitz” sessions.

Goals and Takeaways

· Mechanisms of photoreceptor function and maintenance.

· Mechanisms of retinal degeneration.

· Emerging approaches to studying photoreceptor and retinal function in health and disease.

· Strategies for developing fundable projects in vision research.

Program Topics

· Retinal cell biology

· Structure, function, and genetics of retinal proteins

· Photoreceptors, visual pigments, and visual cycle

· Organoids

· Evolution of phototransduction and vision

· Mechanisms of photoreceptor degeneration and rescue

· Imaging the living retina

· Photoreceptors synapses

· Circadian proteins and mechanisms

Workshops

Two Meet the Expert lunchtime sessions will provide opportunities for early-career researchers to network with established researchers of their choice.

A Career Development Workshop will involve an intensive session on grant writing, focusing on clearly articulating goals within a research program, and understanding granting mechanisms when dealing with agencies such as the National Eye Institute (NEI).