Bo Chang, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist
Conducts research to identify, characterize, and distribute mice with genetically caused eye disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa and achromatopsia.
In humans, vision is paramount for quality of life, and the impairment of sight represents a highly incapacitating condition. Vision loss or dysfunction can be caused by obstruction of the light path to the neural retina or inability of the retina to detect and/or transmit light-triggered signals to the brain. Mouse models provide fundamental insights into the associated biological pathways and often display phenotypes that are similar to clinical manifestations of the corresponding disease in humans, providing an opportunity to decipher mechanisms of disease pathology as well as develop innovative therapies. The main objective of our research program is to identify, characterize,preserve and distribute mice with genetically caused ocular disorders. These well-characterized models are used to support and promote vision research with the ultimate goal of advancing the elucidation, treatment and cure of heritable eye diseases. We have recently characterized mutations that may provide models for retinal degeneration diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa, a group of eye diseases that lead to progressive vision loss and eventual blindness, and for human achromatopsia, a key feature of which is the absence of color discrimination. Our laboratory is also studying the genetic defects in models for glaucoma, cataracts and photoreceptor function loss.
Education and experience
Education
1981-1984
Special training program
The Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), Beijing, P.R. China
1977
M.D.
Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences
Experience
2011-
Senior research scientist
The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
1997-2011
Research scientist
The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
1995-1996
Visiting scientist
The Hospital For Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
1990-1997
Research associate
The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
1988
Visiting Investigator
The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
1987-1990
Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, CAMS, Beijing, P.R. China
1986-1990
Assistant and Associate Professor
Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, CAMS and Faculty of Laboratory animal sciences,
Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, P.R. China
1978-1986
Assistant Professor
Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, CAMS, Beijing, P.R. China
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Research HighlightMarch 30, 2022JAX is shedding light on new treatments for eye disease
JAX Professor Patsy Nishina and her colleagues have developed mouse models for translational vision research that are now available to the wider biomedical research community. -
eNewsApril 12, 2011
Vision restored in mouse model of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA).
A gene therapy approach preserves photoreceptor function in a Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) mouse model, even at progressed disease stages.
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Press ReleaseSeptember 16, 2019New funding for a peerless resource for eye researchers worldwide
The National Eye Institute has made a four-year grant totaling $2,144,828 for continued funding for The Jackson Laboratory's Eye Mutant Resource. -
JAX NotesOctober 01, 2007
Gene therapy restores vision to blind mice
JAX Research Scientist Bo Chang, M.D., and collaborators have used a gene-based therapeutic approach to restore vision in blind mice with dysfunctional cone cells.