Target Discovery

Dr. Dorette Ellis Research Program

Current Research Aims

Discover new treatments for glaucoma

Identify new therapeutic targets to protect the retinal ganglion cells, thus preventing blindness

Novel Therapeutic Target- Activation of Sigma-1R Protects the RGC

On-going Goals

Continue to identify novel therapeutic targets for the protection of RGCs

Based on the novel targets, develop new and improved medication to treat glaucoma

 Dr. Iok-Hou Pang Research Program

Current Research Aims

Identification of the mechanism in retinal cell death and optic nerve degeneration

Develop new neuroprotective strategies to prevent RGC loss

Knockout of Caspase-7 Protects against Optic Nerve Injury-Induced RGC Death

On-going Goals

Identify pathological mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets for the protection of RGCs

Based on the novel targets, develop new and improved medication to treat glaucoma and other retina diseases

Dr. Yu-Chieh (Jack) Wang Research Program

Current Research Focus

We seek a better understanding of the biology, pathology, and clinical utility of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and their differentiated derivatives by using integrated approaches of stem cell, cancer, and systems biology to model congenital abnormalities of brain development and study the molecular interplay of cellular pluripotency and malignancy.

Harnessing the power of hPSCs and regenerative medicine to understand the physio-pathological development of human cells

On-going Goals

1. Dissecting molecular mechanisms underlying the brain development abnormalities induced by glycosylation defects
2. Probing functional significance of glycosyltransferases and glycosidases in cell differentiation and the pathogenesis of cancer disease
3. Developing precision approaches for targeting kinase signaling in human cancer cells
4. Understanding the hyperactive MAPK-induced immunogenicity alterations in abnormal melanocytes

Lab webpage link: http://www.ycwanglabunthsc.org/

Dr. Hongli (Catherine) Wu Research Program

Current Research Aims

Glutaredoxin (Grx) system:  Protein structures, enzyme mechanisms and role in redox control in the eye.

Identify therapeutic targets to overcome drug resistance in liver cancer

 Grx is reduced in RPE cells of AMD Patients

On-going Goals

Use Grx inducer for AMD prevention/treatment

Use Grx antagonist to overcome drug resistance in liver cancer

Dr. Liang-Jun Yan Research Program

Current Research Aims

Role of redox sensitive mitochondrial proteins in aging-related diseases

Inhibition of dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase protects against stroke injury

Upregulation of mitochondrial complex I in diabetic pancreas

Inhibition of dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase protects against stroke injury

On-going Goals

Identification of novel protective therapeutic targets to treat stroke and other ischemic damages to the brain

Identification of pathways involved in pancreatic cell damage in diabetes