Henderson Ocular Stem Cell Lab

The Henderson Ocular Stem Cell Laboratory, led by Dr. Srinivasa Sripathi, studies age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. We generate induced pluripotent stem cells from patients' own blood samples and differentiate them into retinal pigment epithelium - the cell layer that supports the light-sensing cells of the retina and is the first to fail in AMD. These patient-derived models let us study why some retinas degenerate while others don't, and to test approaches that could slow or prevent that loss. Our current work focuses on how lipid handling and mitochondrial health drive the disease, and on the extracellular vesicles these cells release, which may serve as early biomarkers of degeneration.

The Team:

• Srinivasa Sripathi, Ph.D. — Director, Henderson Ocular Stem Cell Laboratory
• Adnin Ashrafi, Ph.D. — Staff Scientist
• Naresh Rajendran, Ph.D. — Staff Scientist
• Sonali — Research Assistant

From the Team - Naresh's Why

Working as a Staff Scientist at the Retina Foundation of the Southwest is meaningful to me because it allows me to combine my expertise in stem cells, molecular biology, and retinal disease modeling to address an important human health problem—vision loss. My work with patient-derived iPSC-RPE models and AMD has given me the opportunity to investigate the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying retinal dysfunction. Looking ahead, my vision is to build innovative patient-relevant models and translate these discoveries into new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies that can ultimately improve outcomes for patients with retinal diseases. - Naresh Rajendran

From the Team - Sonali's Why

Joining the Retina Foundation during my master's program changed what research meant to me. Coursework had taught me retinal biology as a set of pathways and diagrams; here, those same pathways are rebuilt from the blood of patients living with age-related macular degeneration, each cell line traceable to a person still waiting for answers. Learning from mentors who are actively shaping this field, I have come to understand that rigorous science and genuine attention to patients are not competing commitments but a single one. Every result we generate here belongs to someone, and that is what keeps me at the bench. - Sonali

From the Team - Adnin's Why

Working at the Retina Foundation holds deep personal meaning for me, as it lets me contribute to research with real potential to preserve vision and enhance patients' lives. Age-related macular degeneration slowly erodes the central vision people depend on for reading, driving, recognizing the faces of loved ones, and navigating daily life , often eroding their independence and emotional well-being along with it. There's a profound sense of purpose in knowing our work may help reveal the underlying mechanisms of this disease and pave the way toward more effective treatments. I'm grateful to be part of a collaborative, supportive team where cutting-edge science stays grounded in patients' real needs. Every finding brings us one step closer to protecting sight and giving greater hope to individuals and families living with retinal disease. - Adnin Ashrafi