My research focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) and advancing gene therapy approaches for these blinding disorders. I investigate both syndromic and nonsyndromic forms of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), with a particular emphasis on BBS10-associated ciliopathies and SNRNP200-associated splicing defects. By integrating mouse models with molecular, structural, and functional analyses, I aim to develop gene therapy strategies aimed at preserving retinal function. Through this work, I seek to bridge mechanistic insights with translational applications to accelerate the development of effective treatments for patients affected by rare retinal diseases.

Publications:

Rankin, T. J., et al. (2025). "N-Acetylcysteine Ameliorates Loss of the Electroretinogram b-wave in a Bardet-Biedl Syndrome Type 10 Mouse Model." J Exp Neurol 6(1): 49-63.

Kok Zhi Lee Michael A. Mechikoff, Mrugesh Krishna Parasa, Tyler J. Rankin, Paula Pandolfi, Kevin S. Fitzgerald, Ethan T. Hillman, and Kevin V. Solomon. (2022). Repurposing the Homing Endonuclease I-SceI for Positive Selection and Development of Gene-Editing Technologies. ACS Synthetic Biology, Article ASAP. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acssynbio.1c00340

Honors/Awards:

Genetics Graduate Program 50th Anniversary Travel Award (2026)

Qais Farjo Memorial Travel Grant, ARVO (2026)

Eberhard Dodt Memorial Award (2024)

Genetics T32 Fellowship (2024-2025)

Genetics T32 Fellowship (2023-2024)