Jeanne Frederick
Jeanne Frederick studies the organization of the retina in health and disease using the transgenic and knockout/knock-in mice carrying mutations in genes linked to retina dystrophies. The key focus is on transformations of rod and cone photoreceptors that lead to cell death. In several neurodegenerative diseases, improperly shaped proteins, such as misfolded rhodopsin (the molecule responsible for night vision) accumulate as insoluble inclusions and may serve a critical role in disease progression.
Human parafoveal macula showing labeling for cone photoreceptors (green) and a zeaxanthin-binding protein (GSTP1, red) thought to be protective against photo-oxidation. Cones convey color vision and are responsible for high-acuity. This confocal microscope image shows peripheral-to-central gradation to robust GSTP1 immunolabeling of the inner retina, a pattern consistent with the known distribution of human macular carotenoid pigment.
Education: Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Academic Appointments: Research Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences—University of Utah School of Medicine