Du Lab

Stem Cell Biology & Ocular Regeneration Laboratory

“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.

Learn more about our research

 

   
   
   

 

Professor Yiqin Du

MD, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator 

Meet the Team

Latest News

Featured Publications

  • Du, Rong, Ajay Kumar, Enzhi Yang, Jingxue Zhang, Ningli Wang, and Yiqin Du. 2025. “Transcriptomic Differences Between Human Trabecular Meshwork Stem Cells and Trabecular Meshwork Cells Reveal Specific Biomarker Profiles”. Current Issues in Molecular Biology 47 (7). https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47070514.
    Publisher's Version
    Publisher's Version
    Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, normally associated with dysfunction and degeneration of the trabecular meshwork (TM) as the primary cause. Trabecular meshwork stem cells (TMSCs) have emerged as promising candidates for TM regeneration toward glaucoma therapies, yet their molecular characteristics remain poorly defined. In this study, we performed a comprehensive transcriptomic comparison of human TMSCs and human TM cells (TMCs) using RNA sequencing and microarray analyses, followed by qPCR validation. A total of 465 differentially expressed genes were identified, with 254 upregulated in TMSCs and 211 in TMCs. A functional enrichment analysis revealed that TMSCs are associated with development, immune signaling, and extracellular matrix remodeling pathways, while TMCs are enriched in structural, contractile, and adhesion-related functions. A network topology analysis identified CXCL3, CXCL6, and BMP2 as robust TMSC-specific hub genes, and LMOD1 and BGN as TMC-specific markers, with expression patterns confirmed by qPCR. These findings define distinct molecular signatures of TMSCs and TMCs, providing reliable biomarkers for cell identity and a foundation for future stem cell-based therapies targeting TM dysfunction in glaucoma.
  • Du, Rong, Enzhi Yang, Madison Clark, Ningli Wang, and Yiqin Du. (2025) 2025. “Identification and Validation of Key Biomarkers in the Proximal Aqueous Humor Outflow Pathway.”. Current Issues in Molecular Biology 47 (3). https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47030147.
    Publisher's Version
    Publisher's Version

    Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) as the most important risk factor. The trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal are the main components of the proximal aqueous humor outflow pathway. Their dysfunction is a major contributor to IOP elevation. This study aims to identify and validate key biomarkers for TM and Schlemm's canal endothelial (SCE) cells. A Microarray was performed on characterized human TM and SCE cells to analyze their transcriptome profiling. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and cross-referenced with published single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) datasets to ensure cell-specific relevance. Further validation was performed using qPCR and re-confirmed on the scRNA-seq datasets. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. The Microarray revealed 341 DEGs, with TM cells enriched in metabolic and signaling pathways and SCE cells enriched in adhesion, immune, and morphogenesis-related processes. Cross-referencing with scRNA-Seq data refined the list of candidate biomarkers, and qPCR confirmed the significant gene expression differences between TM and SCE cells. CTTNBP2 and MGARP were identified as TM cell markers. JAM2, PODXL, and IFI27 are new SCE cell biomarkers. The validated biomarkers offer insights into glaucoma pathophysiology and lay the groundwork for targeted therapies.

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