Saghizadeh Ghiam Lab
Under the direction of Mehrnoosh Saghizadeh Ghiam, PhD, associate professor of Biomedical Sciences at the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute Eye Program, the Saghizadeh Ghiam Laboratory is focused on identifying specific molecular corneal defects associated with corneal pathological conditions, such as diabetes. The goal of the Saghizadeh Ghiam Lab is to understand the roles of microRNAs in both the differentiated epithelial and stem cells of normal and diabetic corneas as well as their roles in driving peripheral activation of limbal stem cells in normal and diseased corneas.
The laboratory also investigates the major mechanisms of action of nanosized limbal extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are taken up by neighboring cells, in stem cell maintenance and wound repair in cell cultures and in human organ-cultured corneas. In addition, the Saghizadeh Ghiam Lab investigates the therapeutic potential of EVs for treatment of corneal injuries and diabetic abnormalities. The ultimate goal of the lab is to restore stem cell function for future clinical translation.
The Saghizadeh Ghiam Laboratory is affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Eye Program.
Personal Statement
I am an associate professor in the Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute Eye Program in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cedars-Sinai. I am also an adjunct assistant professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA."
Mehrnoosh Ghiam, PhD
Researchers in the Saghizadeh Ghiam Laboratory study the microRNA regulatory mechanisms of limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) proliferation, migration, adhesion and differentiation in normal cornea homeostasis and wound-healing processes. Understanding these mechanisms could be key to understanding corneal diseases. In addition, the Saghizadeh Ghiam Lab studies the contribution of limbal extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from corneal epithelial (LECs) and stromal cells in the molecular processes that lead to regeneration and wound healing.
Meet Our Team
Learn more about the scientists, faculty members, investigators and other healthcare professionals of the Ghiam Laboratory, whose dedicated efforts lead to groundbreaking discoveries.
Leszczynska A, Kulkarni M, Ljubimov AV, Saghizadeh M.
Sci Rep. 2018 Oct 11;8(1):15173.
Saghizadeh M, Kramerov AA, Svendsen CN, Ljubimov AV.
Stem Cells. 2017 Oct;35(10):2105-2114.
Kulkarni M, Leszczynska A, Wei G, Winkler MA, Tang J, Funari VA, Deng N, Liu Z, Punj V, Deng SX, Ljubimov AV, Saghizadeh M.
Sci Rep. 2017 Jun 14;7(1):3448.
Contact the Saghizadeh Ghiam Lab
Advanced Health Sciences Pavilion, Suite A8104
127 S. San Vicente Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048