معرفی
Winston Whei Yang Kao is a Professor at the University of Cincinnati, specializing in corneal biology and ocular surface diseases. His research focuses on understanding corneal structure-function relationships, wound healing, and gene therapy strategies for blindness-related diseases. He leads multiple grants from the National Eye Institute and private foundations, including roles as Principal Investigator (PI) on projects exceeding $5 million in funding.
Key research areas include the role of growth factors and proteoglycans (e.g., Lumican) in corneal morphogenesis, the development of gene and cell therapies for corneal dystrophies, and the characterization of limbal stem cells. His work employs mouse models, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and particle-mediated gene transfer techniques.
Notable awards include the RPB International Research Scholar Award and the RPB Senior Scientific Investigator Award. Collaborations include projects on mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS VII), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and stem cell therapies for corneal opacity. His lab explores innovative solutions like biodegradable drug delivery implants and umbilical mesenchymal stem cell transplantation.
Recent studies address the roles of TGFβ receptors, sensory nerves, and ECM components in corneal health. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, aiming to translate discoveries into treatments for blinding eye diseases.
