Aaron Loewen

Mr. Loewen has experience in retinal cell biology, retinal degeneration, and with investigating the G-protein-coupled receptor RHO. His work is investigating the various mutations of the gene RHO that are associated with an inherited retinal disease, retinitis pigmentosa, and characterizing them through the use of an animal model (Xenopus laevis). Mr. Loewen approaches the question of "what do these mutations do?" by expressing the mutated RHO in these animal models and then further our understanding of what these mutations do in the retinal, particularly in the rod photoreceptors, using microscopy and protein analysis techniques. If he could collaborate with another researcher, Mr. Loewen would work with an ophthalmologist that sees patients with retinitis pigmentosa caused by the underlying RHO variants that he studies, in particular, those that are less common. This would allow for comparisons between his research team's animal model and human patients.

Mr. Loewen's hobbies include hiking every chance he gets as well as soccer, whether that is playing, watching, or coaching!