Krysten M Farjo, PhD

Dr. Krysten Farjo is an Assistant Professor of Research in the Department of Physiology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. As a native Oklahoman, she also completed her doctoral studies and postdoctoral training at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, within the departments of Cell Biology and Endocrinology, respectively. Farjo's research focuses on the regulation of vitamin A transport, metabolism, and function, particularly in the context of retinal health and disease. Her research team is largely devoted to understanding the role of vitamin A metabolism in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and a juvenile-onset form of macular degeneration known as Stargardt disease (STGD). Farjo's research team will utilize the BrightFocus Macular Degeneration Research Award to develop a novel therapeutic mechanism to manipulate vitamin A transport in the retina. This research has direct implications for the treatment of AMD and STGD, as both forms of macular degeneration are initiated by the accumulation of toxic vitamin A derivatives in the retina. Farjo was previously awarded a grant from another organization to begin this research project and is now able to build upon these studies thanks to the support of BrightFocus donors.