Ali Moshaymesh, an undergraduate student in the U-M College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), has received a grant from the VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation (VRSF) for his research on how immune system activity in the retina and brain relates to neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that can cause vision loss. Moshaymesh is leading innovative research on vision loss caused by MS. He studies how immune cells act and focuses closely on an important process inside cells called the integrated stress response (ISR) pathway. This work could lead to new treatments that help people with MS keep their vision. “Ali studies how cells respond to stress through the ISR pathway. A little bit of stress can help cells stay healthy, but too much stress can hurt them,” says Sebastian Werneburg, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences; Assistant Professor of Molecular & Integrative Physiology; Affiliate Assistant Professor at the Michigan Neuroscience Institute, and Ali’s mentor on this project. “Ali is an exceptionally talented young researcher whom I’ve had the pleasure to work with. He is proactive, dedicated, and inspiring to mentor. He is always curious, motivated, and eager to take on new challenges. His dedication and fresh perspective have added a lot to our research team.” Moshaymesh’s project aims to understand why vision problems are often an early symptom of MS and investigates the loss of nerve cell connections, or synapses, in the brain’s visual areas. “We found that certain immune cells called microglia are taking away these connections,” says Moshaymesh. “The goal is to understand why microglia act this way, especially by focusing on the role of the ISR. By studying this pathway in microglia, we hope to find ways to help people with MS see better.” Early results show that the ISR is important in determining whether microglia help or harm vision. The team is working to manipulate this pathway to help improve vision. Their next step is to test and repurpose already FDA-approved drugs in animal models to see if they can improve vision with medicines, with the hope of finding treatments for people in the future. “It is an honor to lead this research as an undergraduate. This kind of recognition is rare for students at my stage,” says Moshaymesh. “Receiving this grant means a lot to me. It shows that student contributions matter and gives me the chance to work toward real change for patients.”