UCI Center for Translational Vision Research Achieves Organized Research Unit Status

The UCI Office of Research is pleased to announce the Center for Translational Vision Research (CTVR)’s achievement of the prestigious Organized Research Unit (ORU) status at UCI. This significant milestone, reached after five years of dedicated effort, marks a new era for the center and underscores its commitment to pioneering advancements in vision research. The CTVR, along with the newly established Genome Editing Research program, is led by Krzysztof Palczewski—Distinguished Professor and holder of the Irving H. Leopold Chair of Ophthalmology.

The need for breakthroughs in vision care is immense. Age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma are among the most devastating blinding diseases, affecting 4.2 million people globally. Beyond the significant impact on productivity and independence, the annual cost of treating and caring for patients with these conditions is approximately $139 billion nationally.

“The next ten years will be pivotal in breakthroughs in vision research and treatment, as our dedicated teams are on the brink of discovering new therapies that will revolutionize vision care for patients in our community and across the globe,” says Palczewski. “We will restore hope to the millions of people robbed of their sight or progressing toward blindness, for which virtually no effective treatment options exist today.”

The CTVR has already garnered international acclaim for translating basic scientific discoveries into life-changing treatments. Researchers at the center focus on two promising areas: gene therapy and noninvasive imaging. Utilizing a unique two-photon ophthalmoscope, a highly specialized imaging instrument, scientists at the CTVR study real-time disease progression in live cells without causing damage. This technique enables a deeper understanding of eye diseases, leading to better diagnostic tools and individualized treatments.

Moreover, the CTVR is at the forefront of using gene-editing technology to correct genetic mutations that cause inherited retinal diseases. In Palczewski’s lab, researchers have successfully used gene editing in animal models to restore vision loss caused by conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis. Current efforts include exploring gene editing therapies for glaucoma, the second-leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Researchers have made significant strides in targeting genes contributing to glaucoma, with promising results in animal studies.

Beyond ocular research, Palczewski’s Genome Editing Research program aims to advance gene therapies for other inherited diseases, collaborating with medical researchers in various specialties. “Vision science leads the medical disciplines in pioneering gene therapy, and UCI is the global leader in the field of genome editing,” says Palczewski. “We are committed to advancing genetic therapy by applying the same technology that edits DNA for inherited retinal disease to inherited diseases in any organ in the body.”

The Center will occupy 30,000 square feet within the state-of-the-art Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building. This new facility, equipped with cutting-edge laboratories, the most advanced scientific equipment, and an environment fostering collaboration, is poised to drive innovation in sight-preserving technologies.

The new Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building will enhance the center’s capabilities with its advanced equipment and collaborative environment, empowering its unique expertise in genetics. “Together, we will pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in gene therapy,” adds Palczewski.

The CTVR looks forward to the innovative developments and life-changing treatments that will emerge from its new home and its continued commitment to transforming vision care.