Dongfang Yu, PhD is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Dr. Richard Boucher's laboratory.

Research Interests Dongfang Yu’s work focus on the ion and water transport studies of ocular tissues. The tear film, which occupies the interface between the ocular surface and the external environment, serves an essential role in corneal and conjunctival health. Active electrolyte transport mediated by ion channels and coupled osmotic water movement through water channels across ocular surfaces play a critical role in tear film homeostasis. Compromise of the tear film will lead to the dry eye disease. Yu has investigated the expression and function of multiple water, sodium, and chloride channels in rat and mouse ocular tissues. In vitro and primary cell culture system has been developed to evaluate the bioelectric properties by Ussing chamber studies. Transgenic mice are utilized to provide evidence of the roles of specific ion channels in the ocular surface health. The findings may foster development of new therapies for ocular surface disorders.

Dongfang Yu, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Associate

Biographical Sketch

Education

(2008) Ph.D., Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, GD, China

(2005) Master, Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, GD, China

(2002) M.D., Clinical Medicine, North China Coal Medical University, Tangshan, HB, China

Professional Experience

(2009-present) Postdoctoral Research Associate, Cystic Fibrosis Center, University of NorthCarolina at Chapel Hill, NC

(2007-2009) Predoctoral Fellow, The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, RTP, NC

Honors and Awards

(2009-2011) Collaborative Funding Grant 2009-CFG-8005 awarded by North Carolina Biotechnology Center/Kenan Institutes and Parion Sciences, RTP, NC

(2009) First Prize in Science and Technology Progress of Xiamen City, FJ, China (as the fifth contributor)

(2007-2008) International Program Fund of 985 Project awarded by Sun Yat-sun University, Guangzhou, GD, China

Selected Publications

Yu D, Walters D, Zhu L, Lee P, Chen Y. Vanadium Pentoxide (V2O5) induced Mucin Production by Airway Epithelium. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2011; 301(1): L31-9.

Zhu L, Lee P, Yu D, Tao S, Chen Y. Cloning and Characterization of Human MUC19 Gene. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2011; 45(2): 348-58.

Zhu LX, Lee PK, Lee WM, Zhao Y, Yu D, Chen Y. Rhinovirus Induced Major Airway Mucin Production Involves a Novel TLR3-EGFR Dependent Pathway. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2009; 40(5): 610-9.

Yu DF, Chen Y, Han JM, Zhang H, Chen XP, Zou WJ, Liang LY, Xu CC, Liu ZG. MUC19 Expression in Human Ocular Surface and Lacrimal Gland and its Alteration in Sjögren Syndrome Patients. Experimental Eye Research. 2008; 86(2): 403-11.

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