Millions of people worldwide suffer from vision-threatening inherited eye diseases. Recent breakthroughs in genetics have identified the molecular biology cause of disease in many patients, however too large proportion still lacks a genetic diagnosis. Understanding the pathological process in molecular biology level gives important information how the disease manifests and progresses. Knowing the genetic cause of disease is also the first crucial step of developing novel therapeutic approaches. By applying a translational approach, Dr Kaukonen’s group aims to identify new genes and gene variants accountable for inherited eye diseases, and to develop novel therapeutic approaches to treat them.
Please contact Dr Kaukonen if you would like to work or collaborate with us - we are currently recruiting a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist and a PhD student on our gene therapy programs.