Sophie X Deng

Sophie X. Deng, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor and Department Vice Chair of Ophthalmology at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine. She holds the prestigious Walton Li Chair in Cornea and Uveitis and previously held the Joan and Jerome Snyder Chair in Cornea Diseases from 2019-2023. Dr. Deng is a leading researcher in corneal diseases, with a particular focus on limbal stem cell deficiency and regenerative therapies for corneal conditions.

Dr. Deng's research interests center around corneal biology, stem cell therapies, and regenerative medicine for ocular surface disorders. Her work primarily investigates limbal stem cell deficiency, Wnt signaling pathways in corneal epithelial cells, stem cell-based therapies for corneal diseases, and corneal transplantation techniques. She has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying limbal stem cell maintenance and developing novel therapeutic approaches for corneal regeneration, with particular emphasis on the role of Wnt signaling in limbal epithelial stem/progenitor cells.

Analysis of Dr. Deng's recent publications reveals a strong focus on translational research bridging basic science discoveries with clinical applications. Her work spans from molecular investigations of Wnt signaling pathways to clinical studies on diagnostic techniques for limbal stem cell deficiency and therapeutic applications of stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles. The interdisciplinary nature of her research combines molecular biology, tissue engineering, and advanced imaging techniques to address critical challenges in corneal disease management.

• Walton Li Chair in Cornea and Uveitis
• Joan and Jerome Snyder Chair in Cornea Diseases (2019-2023)

Dr. Deng leads significant NIH-funded research initiatives, including R01 grants for 'Development of small-molecule Wnt mimetics for corneal epithelial cell regeneration' and 'Development of stem cell-based therapies for limbal stem cell deficiency.' Her work has contributed to international consensus guidelines on the definition, classification, diagnosis, and management of limbal stem cell deficiency, reflecting her leadership in establishing standardized approaches to this complex condition.

Dr. Deng directs an active research laboratory focused on corneal stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. Her team investigates Wnt signaling pathways, develops stem cell-based therapies, and explores novel diagnostic techniques for corneal diseases. The research environment she has cultivated bridges basic science discoveries with clinical applications for treating corneal disorders, with recent work integrating artificial intelligence with corneal imaging representing an emerging frontier in diagnostic approaches for ocular surface diseases.