The Kiser Laboratory

Research in the Kiser lab is centered on various aspects of the visual cycle pathway that regenerates visual chromophore for the photoreceptor opsins. Dr. Kiser uses an array of experimental techniques and methodologies, including X-ray crystallography, spectroscopy, enzyme kinetics, evolutionary analysis, knockout mouse models, histological and in vivo structural characterization, and biochemical and pharmacological approaches to answer important questions about the structure and function of visual cycle proteins. Major emphasis is placed on the use of such information to develop effective therapeutics for currently untreatable retinal diseases. The laboratory also has a major interest in enzymes involved in carotenoid metabolism. Dr. Kiser welcomes inquiries about potential structural biology-related collaborations.