University of Idaho · BiologyThe Cone Development Lab
Deborah L Stenkamp · Moscow, Idaho
Research Focus
Dr. Deborah L. Stenkamp's lab at the University of Idaho focuses on understanding how specific genes control the development of the retina, particularly the cones responsible for color vision. The team investigates the molecular mechanisms and endocrine signals that govern the expression of these genes, with implications for treating conditions like color blindness and age-related macular degeneration. By studying zebrafish and utilizing advanced genetic techniques, the lab aims to uncover how genes can be manipulated to support vision recovery.
retinal developmentgene regulationcolor visionendocrine signalinggene expression
Research Aims
3AIM 01Identify the receptor that mediates the response of retinal genes to thyroid hormone.
AIM 02Determine the regulatory elements that control gene expression in the retina.
AIM 03Investigate the role of thyroid hormone in regulating color vision gene ratios in human cones.
Skills the Lab Values
gene editing using CRISPR/Cas3D retinal organoid cultureATAC-seqChIP-seqfluorescence microscopy
Output against the department
Publications116bottom 41% of dept.609th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.0kbottom 23% of dept.797th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.