“Stem cell technologies for a future without blindness.”
Research Area
Regenerate. Protect. Restore.
Our laboratory is focusing on developing innovative stem cell and cell-free therapies for ocular regeneration. We investigate different stem cell types, explore next-generation strategies using stem cell–derived secretomes and extracellular vesicles/exosomes, and combine bioengineering and cell biology to restore vision and protect ocular function. Our long-term goals are to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive ocular diseases and therapeutic responses, develop novel therapies using our in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models, and translate our discoveries into clinically meaningful treatments. We are equally committed to training future scientists and clinician-scientists who will carry forward impactful research in vision science and related fields. Ultimately, our mission is to generate discoveries that prevent vision loss and restore sight — empowering patients to maintain independence and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Pham, Anh H, Isabella G Moceri, Zachary Batz, Nivedita Singh, Avinash Soundararajan, Katelyn Kane, Tutut Nurjanah, et al. (2026) 2026. “Multiomic Analysis of Non-Glaucomatous Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells.”. BioRxiv : The Preprint Server for Biology. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.07.28.740161.
Glaucoma is an irreversible blinding disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), regulated by the trabecular meshwork (TM) in the anterior eye, is the only modifiable risk factor. Human TM cells can be cultured from donor eyes, providing a precious resource for studying factors that induce or prevent glaucoma. The goal of this study was to produce datasets that define the molecular profile of human non-glaucomatous TM cells. Using 18 human TM cell strains cultured from non-glaucomatous individuals deposited from seven laboratories in the USA and UK, this study used transcriptomic, proteomic, lipidomic, and metabolomic analyses to characterize the molecular content of TM cells. The data herein provides the most comprehensive multiomic analyses of human TM cells to date and will be a useful resource for researchers and clinicians in the TM and glaucoma fields.
