Innovative research
InsightRP2 At a glance
InsightRP2 is an innovative research project that is exploring new avenues for developing treatments for RP2-associated retinal degeneration. To date, there are no treatment options available for this rare and early-onset form of retinitis pigmentosa, which is caused by variants in the RP2 gene.
InsightRP2 combines cutting-edge clinical and genetic research with the latest AI-driven analyses and high-end molecular biology testing, with the goal of developing targeted therapeutic approaches.
interdisciplinary research
Who is behind InsightRP2?
The interdisciplinary project was launched in 2024 by Prof. Dr. med. Bernd Wollnik and Dr. med. Nina Bögershausen at the Department of Human Genetics at the University Medical Center Göttingen. Led by Bernd Wollnik and coordinated by Nina Bögershausen, the participating scientists of the InsightRP2 consortium bring together expertise in human genetics, ophthalmology, data science, cell biology, and gene therapy, and collaborate across multiple locations in Germany and Switzerland.
translational research
From new insights to novel therapies
Through ongoing collaboration within the InsightRP2 consortium, clinical observations can be specifically incorporated into mechanistic studies, while computational analyses improve the interpretation of genetic variants, support experimental design, and expand our clinical understanding of the disease. In parallel, iPSC-based cellular disease models and modern multi-omics technologies allow to systematically characterize the effects of RP2 variants, discover functional mechanisms, and identify new therapeutic targets.
Our long-term goal is to develop tailored therapeutic strategies based on a deeper understanding of the disease mechanisms underlying RP2-associated retinal degeneration—ranging from AAV-based gene therapy and base-editing strategies to potential pharmacological approaches. InsightRP2 thus serves as a model project for interdisciplinary, therapy-oriented research into rare inherited retinal diseases.
The InsightRP2 Team
Meet the members of the InsightRP2 team and learn about their backgrounds and research focuses – and see how diverse expertise from clinical practice, basic research, and data analysis comes together to advance InsightRP2’s shared goals.
Speaker
Bernd Wollnik
Göttingen
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“Together, we work with enthusiasm and dedication to achieve the goals of InsightRP2.”
Prof Bernd Wollnik
MD, Director, Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen
Bernd.wollnik@med.uni-goettingen.de
Bernd Wollnik’s expertise lies in identifying disease-causing genes, unraveling molecular mechanisms in detail, and translating these insights into innovative therapeutic approaches.
Coordinator
Nina Bögershausen
Göttingen
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“InsightRP2 enables us to bridge disciplinary boundaries, unite complementary expertise, and drive real progress.”
Nina Bögershausen
MD, Clinical Geneticist, Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen
nina.boegershausen@med.uni-goettingen.de
Nina Bögershausen is an expert in clinical and molecular genetics, with a particular focus on the study of rare diseases.
Team Member
Rozhin Bayati
Göttingen
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“The InsightRP2 network leverages AI to translate complex data into the insights that integrate our interdisciplinary research.”
Rozhin Bayati
PhD Student, Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen
rozhin.bayati@med.uni-goettingen.de
Rozhin analyzes clinical, molecular, and imaging data using state-of-the-art deep learning methods to advance our understanding of Retinitis pigmentosa.
Team Member
Karin Boß
Göttingen
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“In InsightRP2, teamwork drives new insights into RP2 and helps pave the way for better patient care.”
Karin Boß
Scientific Coordinator
Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen
karin.boss@med.uni-goettingen.de
Karin provides administrative support for InsightRP2 and contributes to the development of texts, visuals and PR material.
Team Member
Lukas Cyganek
Göttingen
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“Through InsightRP2, I aim to develop patient-specific disease models that help us better understand retinal degeneration and pave the way for new therapeutic approaches.”
Dr Lukas Cyganek
Head of Stem Cell Unit, University Medical Center Göttingen
Lukas Cyganek is an expert in iPSC-based disease modelling, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and the development of patient-specific cellular and tissue models for studying genetic diseases and advancing personalized therapies.
Team Member
Patricia Döring
Göttingen
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“For me, people are at the heart of everything we do. InsightRP2 enables us to advance our understanding of retinal diseases and improve the lives of those affected.”
Patricia Döring
MD, Senior Physician, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Göttingen
patricia.doering@med.uni-goettingen.de
Patricia Döring specializes in rare retinal diseases, focusing on diagnosis, patient counselling, and identifying therapeutic support options for affected individuals.
Team Member
Alisa Fedorenko
Göttingen
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“In InsightRP2, we don’t just cultivate cells – we cultivate vision through diverse minds, growing science into a future of hope for people facing retinopathies.”
M. Sc. Alisa Fedorenko
PhD student, Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, International Max Planck Research School for Genome Science
alisa.fedorenko@med.uni-goettingen.de
Alisa Fedorenko is a PhD student skilled in human stem cell culture and molecular and cell biology techniques, focusing on developing retinal cell models for subsequent omics analysis.
Team Member
Nicolas Feltgen
Basel
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“The exceptional commitment within the InsightRP2 network and its international collaboration are the foundations of the project’s success.”
Prof Nicolas Feltgen
MD, Ophthalmologist, Director of Clinic and Medical Head of the Eye Clinic, University Hospital Basel
Caring for and treating patients with retinal diseases is my passion. In all therapeutic decisions and interventions, the well-being of the patient remains my highest priority.
Team Member
Marianne Gaubert
Göttingen
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“What drives us most is not just the science, it’s knowing that the answers we find here could one day change how patients are diagnosed, treated, and cared for.“
M.Sc. Marianne Gaubert
PhD candidate, Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen
Marianne.gaubert@med.uni-goettingen.de
Marianne is a PhD candidate in the field of molecular genetics, specializing in uncovering the pathogenesis of rare diseases.
Team Member
Maximilian Gerhardt
Munich
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“InsightRP2 offers the opportunity to specifically integrate clinical observations, molecular diagnostics, multimodal imaging, and translational research, thereby opening up new prospects for people with RP2-associated retinal diseases.”
Maximilian-Joachim Gerhardt
MD, Ophthalmologist, Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich
maximilian.gerhardt@med.uni-muenchen.de
Maximilian Gerhardt combines clinical expertise in the care of patients with inherited retinal diseases and experience in conducting clinical therapy trials.
Team Member
Óscar Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez
Göttingen
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“Being part of the InsightRP2 network provides a unique opportunity to bridge complementary expertise and accelerate the development of innovative therapies for inherited retinal diseases.”
Ph.D. Óscar Gutiérrez
Senior Scientist, Stem Cell Unit, Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center Göttingen
oscar.gutierrez@med.uni-goettingen.de
Óscar Gutiérrez is a molecular biologist specialized in CRISPR genome editing and human iPSC-based disease models, with a strong focus on developing gene therapy strategies for rare genetic diseases.
Team Member
Hans Hoerauf
Göttingen
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“The treatment options for inherited retinal diseases remain highly unsatisfactory, both for affected patients and for us ophthalmologists. InsightRP2 is an important initiative aimed at improving care for these often young patients.”
Prof Hans Hoerauf
MD, Ophthalmologist, Director of the Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Göttingen
hans.hoerauf@med.uni-goettingen.de
His clinical focus is on the diagnosis and both medical and surgical treatment of retinal, vitreoretinal, and macular diseases. The research activities of his department include clinical studies on retinal disorders as well as basic research into synaptic transmission in the retina and the development of novel optogenetic therapeutic approaches.
Team Member
Behnam Javanmardi
Bonn
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“The transdisciplinary network of InsightRP2 provides an excellent framework for contributing and learning at the same time.”
Dr. rer. nat. Behnam Javanmardi
Group Leader, Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, University Hospital Bonn
Behnam Javanmardi is a physicist by training and an expert in artificial intelligence, big data, and image analysis. His current research focuses on the application of AI to rare diseases.
Team Member
Emrah Kaygusuz
Bilecik
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“I am proud to contribute to the InsightRP2 network, where international collaboration and shared expertise help advance research and improve the diagnosis and future treatment of rare genetic diseases.”
Dr. rer. nat. Emrah Kaygusuz
Molecular geneticist, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, BSEU Bilecik, Türkiye
Unraveling the genetic basis of rare diseases, interpreting disease-causing genetic variants and characterizing the molecular and cellular functions of disease-associated genes, particularly CSNK2B, are Emrah Kaygusuz’s areas of expertise.
Team Member
Peter Krawitz
Bonn
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“I have rarely been involved in a project where experts from such diverse fields came together as quickly as they did in InsightRP2.”
Prof Peter Michael Krawitz
MD, Physicist
Peter Krawitz’s lab applies modern computer vision methods to imaging data from patients with rare diseases to identify patterns and gain a deeper understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms.
Team Member
Stylianos Michalakis
Munich
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“InsightRP2 provides a unique framework for advancing research into RP2-associated X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and translating scientific discoveries into therapeutic strategies.”
Prof Stylianos Michalakis
Professor for Ocular Gene Therapy, Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität, Munich
Prof. Michalakis specializes in experimental ophthalmology, AAV vectorology, and the development of gene therapy approaches for ocular diseases. He is spokesperson of the DFG Research Unit OCU-GT (FOR5621), co-founder of several national and international initiatives in the field of gene and cell therapy, and co-founder of the clinical gene therapy company VeonGen Therapeutics GmbH.
Team Member
Carolin Strohmeyer
Göttingen
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“InsightRP2 brings together clinical expertise and interdisciplinary research, creating new insights and opening promising perspectives for the future.”
Carolin Strohmeyer
Resident in Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Göttingen
carolin.strohmeyer@med.uni-goettingen.de
Carolin Strohmeyer focuses on inherited retinal diseases, with particular expertise in ophthalmic diagnostics, clinical characterization, and the care of affected patients.
Team Member
Marius Ueffing
Tübingen
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“Advancing therapies for rare retinal diseases such as RP2 requires close collaboration across disciplines. InsightRP2 is built on exactly this approach.”
Prof Marius Ueffing
MD, Director, Institute for Opthalmic Research, Dean of Medical Research, University Hospital Tübingen Tübingen,
marius.ueffing@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Marius Ueffing is an ophthalmologist, neuroscientist, and molecular biologist. His research focuses on deciphering the causes of retinal diseases arising from the interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and ageing. The goal of his work is to develop effective therapies for rare inherited retinal diseases, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic maculopathy.
Team Member
Gökhan Yigit
Göttingen
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“With InsightRP2, we can identify previously unknown disease mechanisms and use this knowledge to develop new targeted therapies.”
Dr. rer. nat. Gökhan Yigit
Biochemist, Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen
goekhan.yigit@med.uni-goettingen.de
Gökhan Yigit is a biochemist and an expert in identifying the genetic causes of congenital disorders as well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying their development.
Team Member
Wolfram-Hubertus Zimmermann
Göttingen
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“Gene therapy is set to become the new standard of care for rare diseases. It is very motivating to work together in the InsightRP2 team to address the challenges ahead.”
Prof Dr Wolfram-Hubertus Zimmermann
Director, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen
w.zimmermann@med.uni-goettingen.de
Patient models derived from stem cells for clinical trials—first in a culture dish and then in the patient—these are the areas of expertise of Wolfram-Hubertus Zimmermann.
We are actively involved in numerous research consortia and networks
