Research
Research Focus
Stem Cell Biology & Therapies for Ocular Regeneration
To prevent vision loss and restore sight by harnessing stem cells and advanced regenerative technologies. We strive to deliver scientific discoveries that translate into real treatments — empowering patients to maintain independence and live fuller, brighter lives.
Mechanisms of trabecular meshwork regeneration by stem cells and by stem cell-derived secretomes/exosomes
Research Description
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, which causes optic nerve damage and is usually associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Reducing IOP is the only effective treatment so far for glaucoma to prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss. The trabecular meshwork is a sponge-like structure, together with the adjacent Schlemm’s canal endothelium, working like the drainage system in the eye for the aqueous humor outflow to maintain regular IOP. This dysfunction leads to elevated IOP and glaucoma. We utilize different stem cell types and secretomes and exosomes from stem cells to treat glaucoma in different animal models. We are also exploring glaucoma pathophysiology and mechanisms of TM regeneration by stem cells and stem cell-derived trophic factors, which will further direct new drug discovery for glaucoma treatment.
Corneal regeneration and corneal bioengineering
Research Description
According to the WHO, the inability to treat corneal opacity is a significant unmet need in worldwide eye care. Penetrating keratoplasty has been the most common organ transplant for decades; yet retrospective studies show long-term graft survival to be surprisingly low. Also, the lack of donated corneas for patients worldwide is hindering people from curing corneal blindness, with only 1 of 70 patients having access to donated corneas for transplantation. We have used stem cells and stem cell secretomes to reverse corneal opacity with success in animal models. Working with collaborators, we are exploring mechanisms and developing engineered corneal stroma combining stem cells and engineering. Additionally, we explore new therapies for reconstructing diseased corneal endothelium, combining stem cells and engineering.
Elucidating the molecular changes of the outflow pathway extracellular matrix that regulate outflow facility in steroid-induced ocular hypertension and open angle glaucoma
Research Description
Cell replacement therapy for glaucoma is promising, but understanding the effect of TM cells and the ECM is essential for clinical translation. Working together with Professors John Danias at SUNY Downstate and Yubing Xie at SUNY Albany, we utilize stem cells, an Artificial Conventional Outflow System (ACOS) ex vivo model, and mouse models to discover the pathophysiology between TM cells and ECM in different glaucoma conditions. This discovery will become the basis for guiding cell-based therapy for glaucoma and will also provide a system for future pharmacological screening for glaucoma as an ex vivo glaucoma model with functional outflow facility tests.
In vitro disease models for new drug discovery
Research Description
Glaucoma is a disease that damages retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness. Regenerating the TM can prevent vision loss. Rescuing RGC is an ultimate goal for glaucoma treatment. In vitro disease models are very useful for studying disease pathophysiology and discovering new drugs. We have been working on developing a unique and simple protocol to generate 3D retinal organoids (RO) from human ESCs and iPSCs with high efficiency and long-term survival of RGCs. We will establish glaucoma models in the 3D-RO with RGC damage and identify potential treatment options and mechanisms using exosomes or secretomes from different stem cell types.
Support
Our research is supported by grants from NIH/NEI R01EY025643, R01EY024642, R01EY036983, and University of South Florida.