Health Center Vision Scientist Focuses on Corneal Blindness

Royce Mohan and his research team have discovered a modern medical breakthrough from the ancient science of life.

Window Washer Eyeball

Royce Mohan.
Royce Mohan (Photo provided by UConn Foundation)

Royce Mohan, associate professor of neuroscience at the UConn Health Center, and his research team are in search of a treatment for corneal blindness. Mohan, the John A. and Florence Mattern Solomon Chair in Vision Biology and Eye Diseases, says by applying chemical genetics techniques and distilled knowledge of ancient medicinal practices they have discovered new druggable proteins that reverse corneal blindness and have wide therapeutic potential.

After cataracts, corneal blindness is the second-leading cause of blindness in the world and is highly prevalent in developing countries. The condition is brought about indirectly by infections and diseases that affect the cornea and is currently irreversible.

In an International Innovation article, Mohan describes how they have unraveled the intricate workings of a potent plant extract used in ancient medicine for its restorative properties known as Withaferin A.

You can view the entire article at http://today.uchc.edu/pdfs/p140-142_royce_mohan.pdf.

Window Washer Eyeball
Click on the image to view the full article.

International Innovation is the leading global dissemination resource for the wider scientific, technology and research communities, dedicated to disseminating the latest science, research and technological innovations on a global level. More information and a complimentary subscription offer to the publication can be found at: www.researchmedia.eu.


Follow the UConn Health Center on FacebookTwitter and YouTube.