The University of Houston has received a \$1.1 million donation from the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation to support research on Usher Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that can cause both deafness and blindness in children.
The two-year grant will fund the work of biomedical engineering professors Muna Naash, Ph.D., and Muayyad Al-Ubaidi, Ph.D., at the University’s Cullen College of Engineering. Their research takes place in the Laboratory for Retinal Molecular and Cellular Biology and Gene Therapy. This new gift builds on a previous \$1.6 million award from the National Eye Institute in 2023, strengthening efforts to develop gene therapies for this difficult condition.
University of Houston President Renu Khator said, “The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation’s generous gift will speed up treatments that improve vision and hearing for thousands. Their support helps us turn research ideas into real hope. On behalf of the university, I thank the foundation and congratulate our researchers on their progress.”
Usher Syndrome affects up to 25,000 people in the U.S. and is the most common inherited condition worldwide that impacts both hearing and sight in children. The disorder is passed down when both parents carry the faulty gene, even if they do not show symptoms. There are three main types of Usher Syndrome, and currently, there is no cure.
Naash and Al-Ubaidi have spent years studying Type 2A Usher Syndrome, focusing on mutations in the USH2A gene. This gene is vital for the inner ear and retina’s development and maintenance. Their findings have been published in the journal *Nature Communications*.
Naash shared, “Our work began more than 20 years ago after meeting a young boy who had lost both his vision and hearing. It made me realize how precious those senses are. Thanks to the Mitchell Foundation’s support, we can take the next important steps and bring hope to families affected by this condition.”
Katherine Lorenz, president of the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, expressed the foundation’s commitment: “We are proud to support Dr. Naash and Dr. Al-Ubaidi’s groundbreaking research. Their innovative work could change lives. By funding this project, we hope to speed up progress for those with Usher Syndrome and inspire other researchers and funders. Rare diseases affect smaller populations, but their impact on families is profound. Every discovery brings us closer to effective treatments.”
Since joining UH in 2015, Naash and Al-Ubaidi have worked to strengthen the university’s research reputation.
Al-Ubaidi said, “UH is a strong research center not only because of its resources but also due to its location and partnerships, including with the Texas Medical Center. This collaborative environment is vital for tackling complex diseases like Usher Syndrome. No single lab can do it alone.”
As the University of Houston approaches its 100th anniversary, this donation reflects the kind of visionary investment that will drive the university’s impact in the coming century. It supports UH’s Centennial Campaign goals to promote world-class research, create real-world health solutions, and accelerate innovations that improve lives.
