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Rando Allikmets, Ph.D., is William and Donna Acquavella Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Pathology & Cell Biology and Research Director of the Harkness Eye Institute at Columbia University, New York. Before entering the field of genetics of eye diseases, his main interests were in human genome and cancer research where he cloned and characterized over 30 genes in the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily, including several genes involved in human inherited diseases. He determined that one of these genes, ABCA4 (ABCR), was responsible for Stargardt disease and later characterized it as the first gene associated with age-related macular degeneration (AM.D.). Since then the main interest of Dr. Allikmets’ research has been genetics of AM.D., where he and his colleagues have determined a major disease pathway, involving two regulators of the alternative complement cascade, factor H and factor B. His other research interests include designing high-tech diagnostic tools for eye diseases and gene- and pharmacology-based therapeutic applications for Stargardt disease and AM.D.. Dr. Allikmets’ research has been recognized, among other, by the Foundation Fighting Blindness Annual Trustees Award and the Alcon Research Institute Award. |
