The Liu lab’s research is focused on developing and translating rational approaches for the treatment of inherited retinal disorders. Target diseases include dominant inherited retinitis degenerations (IRDs) and recessive IRDs that are caused by mutations in large genes. Studies in her laboratory range for identifying the molecular bases of retinal degenerations, generating animal models for these diseases and rescuing vision in animal models through viral-based gene therapy or CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing approaches.
The current research projects in Liu’s lab include:
- Genome editing for Rhodopsin associated dominant RP
- Genome editing for USH2A associated Usher Syndrome
- Viral or nonviral-based gene augmentation therapy and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for RP1 associated RP
- Transcript isoform as an alternative therapeutic strategy for RP1 associated RP
- Oligonucleotide-based gene editing for the treatment of ophthalmology indications