Kin-Hing William Lau

Kin-Hing William Lau is a Research Professor in the Department of Medicine at the School of Medicine, Loma Linda University. He holds a PhD from Iowa State University (awarded 1982) and a BA (1976), with a career centered on bone biology, regenerative medicine, and metabolic disorders. His research spans osteoclast-osteoblast coupling, stem cell reprogramming, vitamin D gene therapy, and osteoarthritis therapeutics.

Education:

• PhD, Iowa State University (1982)
• BA (1976)

His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of bone formation and resorption, with an emphasis on sex-dependent responses, microRNA regulation, and therapeutic use of microvesicles and gene editing. He has pioneered methods for reprogramming blood cells into pluripotent and mesenchymal stem cells using minimal factors. His work on EphA4 signaling and Gremlin-1 deletion highlights novel pathways for treating osteoarthritis and skeletal imbalances.

Recent publications (2022–2025) show a strong trend in targeted molecular therapies for bone and joint diseases, utilizing mouse models and translational approaches. Themes include calcium signaling in bone coupling, microRNA overexpression for bone anabolism, and anti-inflammatory microvesicle treatments. These works reflect a consistent focus on regenerative strategies and precision medicine in musculoskeletal disorders.

Dr. Lau has been a Co-Investigator on four major research projects between 2011 and 2014, including gene therapy for colitis, iPSC generation from blood, and reprogramming to mesenchymal stem cells. These projects involved collaborations with leading scientists such as D. Baylink, M.H.C. Sheng, and X. Meng, indicating an active role in team-based biomedical research. While no grants are detailed beyond project titles, his leadership in multiple funded studies suggests successful grant acquisition.

His work has resulted in 194 research outputs, including articles, reviews, patents, and conference contributions. Although no formal awards are listed, his sustained productivity and high-impact publications in journals like Journal of Bone and Mineral Research and Calcified Tissue International underscore significant scientific contributions.

Dr. Lau's research group likely includes postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, given his role as Co-I on multiple projects and the depth of published work. His lab appears to focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms in bone and joint diseases, with applications in regenerative medicine and gene therapy. The use of transgenic mouse models, iPSCs, and microvesicles suggests a multidisciplinary, technology-driven team environment.