DDX17-Inflammation in Human Autoimmune Disease

DDX17, a DEAD-box RNA helicase, plays a crucial role in RNA processing, transcriptional regulation, and innate immunity. Emerging evidence suggests that DDX17 is a key modulator of inflammation, particularly in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases (Wang et al., 2022, Sci. Immunol.). Our collaborative studies revealed the broad involvement of DDX17-mediated inflammation in the development of CNS neurodegeneration (ND), Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Lupus Nephritis (LN). The long-term research interest in Wang lab lies in elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which DDX17 regulates immune responses and inflammation, with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic strategies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (Magagnoli et al., 2023, medRxiv ).

Therapeutic Development for Ocular Neurodegeneration

Ocular neurodegeneration (ON) is a progressive disease that affects the eyes and can lead to blindness. My team is developing a novel VHH discovery platform by integrating NGS sequencing, protein engineering (ProtEng), cell biology, in vivo imaging, and mouse models of ON. Our goal is to identify new therapeutic targets and develop innovative treatments for ON-related diseases, including glaucoma, optic neuropathies, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetic retinopathy.

Harness stemness to restore vision

Retinal degeneration is a leading cause of blindness, with no effective interventions for its advanced stage, which involves massive neuronal loss. Our research aims to generate healthy retinal neurons from stem cell-derived retinal organoids. By combining these neurons with a biodegradable scaffold, we facilitate their integration as a neuronal sheet, promoting vision restoration. (Wang et al., 2019 Commun. Biol; Singh et al., 2018, Biomaterials).

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