Ruth Ashery-padan

Biography

Prof. Ruth Ashery-Padan works in the Deptartment of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry at Sackler School of Medicin.

Research Interest

Research topic: We focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms that control the development of the visual system in mammals. Specifically we investigate the mechanisms that regulate cell-fate decisions, normal differentiation and survival of retinal neurons. Our studies are important for understanding the development of the eye and disease conditions that lead to vision loss. Research methods: Transgenic mice; confocal microscopy; deep sequencing; retinal cultures; functional studies of genes in vivo and in cultures; analysis of promoter structure and activity, DNA microarrays. Main projects in the lab include: Study of gene networks controlling cell-fate decisions in retinal neurogenesis Study function of transcription factors and micro-RNA in specific retinal neurons Investigating the development of ocular structures that are essential for normal vision; lens, cornea and the pigmented cell types of the eye