Gordon W. Laurie

Gordon W. Laurie is a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. His research focuses on epithelial homeostasis, secretion, and innate defense mechanisms, with particular emphasis on the human prosecretory mitogen 'lacritin' that his lab discovered. Dr. Laurie's work has translational applications for dry eye disease, the most common eye condition, and he co-founded TearSolutions, Inc. in 2013 to advance therapeutic development.

Dr. Laurie received his academic training with a

• BS in Biology from McMaster University
• MS in Cell Biology from McGill University
• PhD in Cell Biology from McGill University

Dr. Laurie's research program centers on lacritin, a protein critical for ocular surface homeostasis and innate defense. His lab discovered that lacritin and its cleavage-potentiated fragments contribute to tear film stability and exhibit bactericidal properties. Current research directions include identifying lacritin's signaling receptor, exploring its effects on iPSC-derived sensory neurons, investigating its bactericidal activity, and examining potential benefits for pancreatic islet function in type 1 diabetes. His work bridges basic science with clinical applications, particularly for dry eye disease.

The publication record demonstrates consistent research productivity with a strong focus on ocular surface biology, lacritin function, and autophagy mechanisms in eye health. Recent work shows increasing clinical translation, including phase 2 clinical trials for dry eye treatment, while maintaining fundamental investigations into molecular mechanisms. Collaborative research with institutions worldwide represents a hallmark of Dr. Laurie's scientific approach.

Dr. Laurie organized the multi-institutional Lacritin Consortium in 2002, which has continued to meet biannually with participating institutions including UVa, James Madison University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Harvard University, University of Illinois at Chicago, Johns Hopkins, UCSF, UC-Berkeley, and the US Army at Fort Belvoir. This collaborative network has been instrumental in advancing understanding of lacritin biology and its therapeutic potential.