School of Medicine
Showing 51-60 of 326 Results
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Ximena Corso Díaz
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsWe are interested in unraveling the roles of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and regulatory RNAs in retinal development and homeostasis.
RNA-binding proteins mediate functional integration of transcriptional and post-transcriptional machineries influencing various aspects of gene expression and RNA metabolism. Several RBPs have cell-type enriched expression patterns in the retina or cause blinding diseases, however their role in retinal development and function is poorly understood. We have identified several RBPs that interact with the photoreceptor-specific transcription factor NRL and are likely involved in development and homeostasis of this retinal cell-type. We are pursuing the following lines of research:
1) RBPs in retinal development and degeneration. We will study the role of RBPs in regulating retinal development and maintaining homeostasis. We will focus on RBPs enriched in the retina, their interactions with retinal transcription factors like NRL, and their relevance to retinal diseases.
2) RBPs in R-loop regulation in the retina. R-loops are triple-stranded structures created when RNA anneals to one of the strands of the DNA duplex. R-loops have many regulatory roles during gene expression and their dysregulation can be detrimental to genome integrity. We observed that R-loops are dynamic during retinal development and identified key R-loop-associated RBPs that are enriched in rod photoreceptors and that interact with the transcription factor NRL. We will study the role of R-loops and their regulatory RBPs in retinal development and homeostasis.
3) Chromatin-associated regulatory RNAs through the retina lifespan. Chromatin-associated RNAs contribute to the dynamic regulation of gene expression, chromatin structure, and genome organization, playing essential roles in various biological processes, including development, differentiation, and disease. We will study how regulatory RNAs, together with their cognate RBPs, influence expression programs and chromatin dynamics through the retina lifespan. -
Muhammad Najam Dar
Affiliate, Ophthalmology Research/Clinical Trials
BioDr. Muhammad Najam Dar is affiliate researcher at Stanford University and specializing in electrophysiological signal-based ophthalmological solutions. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pakistan, and was awarded the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Fellowship for his doctoral research at City, University of London, United Kingdom.
With a strong interdisciplinary foundation in biomedical signal and image analysis, computer vision, and deep learning, Dr. Dar has made significant contributions to both academia and industry. His research focuses on developing cutting-edge AI-driven diagnostic tools, wearable smart device signal processing, and systemic workflow optimizations for healthcare applications. His work integrates machine learning, medical imaging, and human-centered design to advance next-generation ophthalmological and biomedical solutions.
Beyond research, Dr. Dar has extensive experience in teaching, mentorship, and academic leadership, fostering innovation in AI-driven healthcare among the next generation of engineers and scientists. His ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world applications makes him an invaluable asset in advancing biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence in healthcare, and translational research. Dr. Dar aims to become a leader in AI-driven healthcare solutions by advancing cutting-edge research, fostering industry collaborations, integrating design thinking into innovative medical technologies, mentoring and inspiring students and peers, empowering them to to drive transformative advancements in healthcare and improve lives globally. -
Charles DeBoer, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
BioDr. DeBoer is a board-certified, fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon with Stanford Health Care’s Byers Eye Institute and a clinical instructor in the Department of Ophthalmology.
He specializes in retinal and macular diseases, treating a range of conditions such as retinal tears, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, macular pucker, macular hole, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and other complex retinal conditions. Dr. DeBoer incorporates state-of-the-art treatments in personalized, comprehensive care plans for each of his patients. He is dedicated to training future vitreoretinal surgeons and passionate about helping patients through both direct care and research.
Dr. DeBoer’s scientific background in micro- and nanofabrication, mechanical and electrical engineering, and medicine drives his research interests in implantable devices and surgical instruments. While completing his PhD, Dr. DeBoer co-invented a biomimetic accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) that treats both cataracts and presbyopia.
He continues researching microdevices, focusing on extended drug delivery from the lens capsule and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-enabled implantable devices. Dr. DeBoer’s research experience spans topics such as material science, drug delivery, IOL design, microfabrication, 3D printing, and medical device design. He has received grant funding for his work and has 12 patents in the field of ophthalmology.
Dr. DeBoer’s work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the American Journal of Ophthalmology. He has authored book chapters and presented to his peers at national and international meetings, including meetings of the American Society of Retina Specialists and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
Dr. DeBoer is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Retina Specialists. He is also part of the Society of HEED Fellows and Ronald G. Michels Fellowship Foundation. -
Boxiong Deng
Postdoctoral Scholar, Ophthalmology
BioBoxiong Currently is a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Sui Wang's lab within Stanford University's Department of Ophathalmology, focusing on the interplay between retinal Müller glial cells and the vasculature in diabetic conditions.
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Diana Do, MD
Professor of Ophthalmology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsDr. Do's research focuses on collaborative clinical trials to investigate novel treatments for retinal vascular diseases and ocular inflammation. She performs research to develop state of the art therapies for age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, retinal vein occlusion, retinal inflammation, and retinal detachment.
