A research fellow from the National Eye Institute (NEI) was recently awarded a $65,000 grant from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation to develop a stem cell-based research model for studying Best disease — a genetic disorder that can cause progressive vision loss.
Dr. Nathan Hotaling will reportedly develop a research system that uses skin cells from patients with Best disease — also known as vitelliform macular dystrophy — that are then turned into stem cells and ultimately endothelial cells. The research model will allow scientists to develop tests to monitor cellular changes that lead to Best disease, as well as better understand the disease's underlying basis and develop potential therapies.
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Source: National Eye Institute