Our research focus: The Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) is a neural crest derived cellular mono-layer in the retina. The RPE is  strategically located between the photoreceptors and Bruch's membrane/choroid, is part of the blood-retina barrier, and has multiple functions. The importance of the RPE in vision is illustrated by the fact that many neuro-ophthalmic disorders affect the RPE. Using human genetics, functional (patho-)biology and bioinformatics, we aim to elucidate the molecular machinery and function of the RPE during development, aging and (genetic) disease.

We study the following RPE related disorders:

age-related macular degeneration

pseudoxanthoma elasticum

retinitis pigmentosa

other genetic neuro-ophthalmic disorders