Lang Lab

We investigate how intra- and extraocular light sensing pathways regulate development, homeostasis and disease.

Overview

The Lang lab studies biological mechanisms that underpin development, homeostasis and disease. Historically, we have had a special interest in development of the visual system and in this context have identified mechanisms of embryonic induction and epithelial morphogenesis. The current passion of the Lang lab is an investigation of the intra- and extraocular light sensing pathways mediated by the opsin family members OPN3 (encephalopsin), OPN4 (melanopsin) and OPN5 (neuropsin). We have shown that within the eye OPN4 and OPN5 regulate light-dependent vascular development and that OPN5 light sensing determines myopia susceptibility. Unexpectedly, we have also found that OPN3 in adipocytes and OPN5 in the brain each mediate light sensing responses that regulate body temperature and energy homeostasis. Our ongoing work will continue to investigate these unusual light sensing pathways and relate their activities to human disease.

Our Work

Research involving OPN3, OPN5 and Circadian Clock

Meet the Lab

The researchers in Richard Lang’s lab focus on several aspects of mammalian eye development.

Mutahar Andrabi

Mutahar Andrabi

Paul Speeg

Paul Speeg

Courtney Linne

Courtney Linne

Daniel G. Kang

Daniel G. Kang

Kevin Gaitonde

Kevin Gaitonde

Courtney Burger

Courtney Burger

Shruti Vemaraju

Shruti Vemaraju

Mon Khine Yin Mon

Mon Khine Yin Mon

Jonathan Mercado

Jonathan Mercado

Shane DSouza

Shane DSouza

Kat Castleberry

Kat Castleberry