Wenjun XIONG, 熊文君

Photoreceptor cells Retinal degeneration diseases Gene therapy Regenerative medicine Vision is by far the most important sense of human beings. Our ability to see the world around us is empowered by photoreceptor cells, the specialized light-sensing neurons in the retina. Despite their essential function, photoreceptors are particularly vulnerable to intrinsic and environmental challenges and undergo cell death in many retinal degeneration diseases, such as Retinitis Pigmentosa (a rare and devastating inherited eye disorder) and Age-related Macular Degeneration (a leading cause of blindness in elderly people). Our research goal is to unveil the molecular mechanisms that can facilitate the rescue, replacement, or regeneration of the photoreceptor neurons in the face of degeneration. We hope to translate our work in animal models into the development of novel gene therapy and regenerative medicine for retinal degeneration patients. My current research interests include: To understand the mechanisms underlying photoreceptor degeneration in mouse models of eye diseases through a combination of molecular, cellular, and genetic approaches. To rescue photoreceptors from degeneration by overexpressing candidate anti-stress genes via adeno-associated virus vector (AAV). To explore the potential of other retinal cell types to regenerate photoreceptors in mouse retinas. To develop new animal models for retinal degeneration diseases, such as glaucoma.

[2026] A light-inducible lipid nanoparticle (LiLNP)-mRNA vector for improved ocular delivery XIONG, W. (Inventor), LO, P. C. (Inventor) & HUANG, Y. (Inventor), 27 Feb 2026, (Accepted/In press/Filed) Priority No. 63/992,630 Research output: Patents, Agreements and Assignments › RGC 51 - Patents (CityUHK) [2026] Lipid nanoparticle-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 delivery enables efficient trabecular meshwork gene editing in mice Huang, Y., Li, L., Do, C. W., Luo, Q., Zheng, Z. & Xiong, W., 10 Jan 2026, In: Journal of Controlled Release. 389, 13 p., 114499 Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews › RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal › peer-review [2026] Ocular and Systemic Pharmacokinetics of Baicalein and Baicalin After Intravitreal Injection and Oral Administration in Mice Zhi, Y., Pa