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Constance Cepko analyzes the mechanisms that determine cell fate during development in the retina, the neurosensory part of the eye. In their studies, Cepko’s team studies gene function by viral and plasmid gene delivery, as well as studies how genes are turned on and off. They also develop new research tools, including nanobodies that enable the manipulation of intracellular activities, and viruses that highlight the connections among cells in neuronal circuits. In addition, the team is developing gene therapy to promote survival of retinal cones in diseases that lead to blindness, with an aim to slow down or prevent vision loss.