Welcome!
The Imanishi lab is in the Department of Ophthalmology at Indiana University School of Medicine. The major goal of the lab is to understand the molecular basis of protein transport and membrane morphogenesis in photoreceptor neurons. Deficiencies in these processes lead to photoreceptor degenerative disorders. By combining imaging and molecular biology methods, we aspire to solve long standing questions regarding the mechanism of photoreceptor degeneration caused by mislocalized rhodopsin. Another critical goal of the laboratory is to develop novel therapeutic strategies for treating inherited blinding disorders.
To accomplish these goals, Imanishi Lab focuses on the following areas of research: (1) Morphogenesis and maintenance of membrane structures in photoreceptor neurons; (2) Ciliary protein trafficking and ciliopathy in the retina; (3) Drug discovery for inherited blinding disorders. We apply state of the art imaging technologies such as STED microscopy, multiphoton microscopy, and high-contents/high-throughout confocal microscopy to visualize and study the dynamic cellular processes. Moreover, we develop new technologies to study proteome in photoreceptor and other retinal neurons at previously unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution.
Positions are available for graduate students and postdocs who are interested in the areas of neurosciences and cell biology.
07.15.20 - Dr. Imanishi joins the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Departmentof Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine!
05.14.20 - New Research Article published in eNeuro!
04.01.20 - Philip Ropelewski successfully defended his thesis and was awarded PhD!
07.13.19 - Review article published in the Annual Review of Vision Science!
05.06.19 - Philip Ropelewski (Graduate Student) published his work in the Journal of Neuroscience!
02.01.19 - Dr. Imanishi is awarded a new R01 grant focusing on protein homeostasis in inherited blinding disorders!
11.21.18 - Dr. Sakami's work published in the FASEB journal!
11.01.18 - Dr. Mohammad Harun-Or-Rashid joins the Imanishi Lab!
Research Interests
Ongoing projects on the cell biology of photoreceptor neurons.
Publications
Find our published papers, books, and protocols.
About Us
Current and previous lab members.
Available Positions
Seeking inquisitive, motivated individuals.