Robert Molday

Robert Molday is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine. He also holds the position of Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, serves as Director of the Centre for Macular Research, and is a Senior Member of the UBC Brain Research Centre. Additionally, he is a Member of the Neuroscience Graduate Program. Dr. Molday was the Canada Research Chair in Vision & Macular Degeneration from 2000 to 2021 and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

Dr. Molday received his BSc (Honours Chemistry) from the University of Pennsylvania in 1965, followed by an MSc in Chemistry from Georgetown University in 1967. He completed his PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Pennsylvania in 1971 and conducted postdoctoral research at the California Institute of Technology in 1975.

Dr. Molday's research is directed toward determining the molecular structure and function of membrane proteins and elucidating their role in cell physiology and disease. His laboratory primarily focuses on vertebrate retinal photoreceptor proteins and their roles in: phototransduction and other signaling pathways; rod and cone photoreceptor cell structure and morphogenesis; lipid transport across membranes; protein and vesicle trafficking; and inherited retinal degenerative diseases which are a significant cause of blindness worldwide. His work has significant implications for understanding and treating conditions such as Stargardt macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and Leber Congenital Amaurosis.

Analysis of Dr. Molday's recent publications reveals a strong focus on ABCA4 protein and its role in Stargardt disease, with numerous studies examining the structure, function, and disease-associated variants of this critical transporter. His work increasingly incorporates advanced structural biology techniques like cryo-EM to understand molecular mechanisms. There's also a growing emphasis on therapeutic approaches, including gene therapy and drug discovery for inherited retinal degenerative diseases. His research spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms to translational applications, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to understanding and treating retinal diseases.

• Canada Research Chair in Vision & Macular Degeneration (2000-2021)
• Fellow, Royal Society of Canada

Dr. Molday leads an active research laboratory focused on retinal diseases and membrane proteins. His lab employs a wide range of techniques including generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies, cDNA cloning and sequencing, heterologous protein expression, immunoaffinity purification, and cryo-electron microscopy. His research has been supported by numerous grants focused on understanding the molecular basis of retinal degenerative diseases and developing potential therapeutic interventions. Dr. Molday collaborates extensively with researchers in ophthalmology, neuroscience, and biochemistry to advance understanding of retinal function and disease.

Dr. Molday directs the Centre for Macular Research at UBC and oversees a multidisciplinary team of researchers investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying macular degeneration and other retinal diseases. His laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for biochemical, biophysical, and cell biological analyses of membrane proteins, particularly those involved in retinal function. The lab maintains specialized animal models, including knockout and transgenic mice, to study disease mechanisms and test potential therapeutic approaches for retinal degenerative conditions.