Research Areas
Cell biology of normal and disease mechanisms in photoreceptor and Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) cells
Dr. Williams’ laboratory focuses on the cell biology of photoreceptor and Retinal Pigment Epithelium cells. His group is especially interested in cell biological studies of the retina in relation to retinal function and inherited retinal disease.
Basic science investigations in the laboratory include identifying how proteins and organelles are transported and targeted within the photoreceptor and Retinal Pigment Epithelium cells. Photoreceptor and Retinal Pigment Epithelium cells offer unique perspectives in cell polarization and the underlying mechanisms that are critical for establishing and maintaining this polarization.
Studies on retinal disease include the use of stem cells to generate disease-in-a-dish models for Usher syndrome, Choroideremia, and macular degeneration. They also involve cell culture and in vivo studies on gene therapy, using gene augmentation, and, more recently, gene editing.
Contact Information
Phone: (310) 825-9546
Email: dswilliams@ucla.edu
Location Address
Jules Stein Eye Institute
100 Stein Plaza, UCLA
Los Angeles, CA 90095
