“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.
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.
