February 27, 2007

Anand Swaroop is recognized for outstanding research in ophthalmic genetics

Anand Swaroop, Ph.D.

ANN ARBOR, MI - Anand Swaroop, Ph.D., has been awarded the Board of Director’s Award from the Foundation Fighting Blindness for outstanding research achievement. Dr. Swaroop, senior scientist in ophthalmic genetics at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, was recognized for his role in discovering a gene that will advance the diagnosis and understanding of Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), an inherited degenerative eye disease that occurs at birth or in infancy. Dr. Swaroop is the Harold F. Falls Collegiate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and Professor, Department of Human Genetics.

The discovery of the gene CEP290 in the Swaroop lab is a significant addition to knowledge of this early-onset degenerative disease.  When coupled with previous discoveries, scientists can now account for 70 percent of the genetic contributors to LCA.   The identification of disease-causing genes can help in diagnosis and, in the long term, developing therapeutic interventions. 

The gene CEP290 may also have implications for related retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.

Dr. Swaroop’s research interests include the genetics of macular and retinal degeneration, treatment strategies for such diseases as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, and his pioneering investigation of photoreceptor differentiation and retinal repair.

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Contact:  Betsy Nisbet, 734-647-5586, bsnisbet@umich.edu