Sophia Liang
Centennial High School
Ellicott City, MD
Pharmacologic sGC Activation for Suppression of EMT in RPE Cells: Implications for Wet AMD
Sophia Liang, 17, of Ellicott City, studied a potential new treatment for 鈥渨et鈥� age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for her Regeneron Science Talent Search medicine and health project.
A leading cause of blindness in older adults, AMD causes abnormal blood vessels and scarring in the back of the eye that leads to permanent vision loss. Current treatments do not completely prevent the scarring. In her project, Sophia tested an investigational drug called runcaciguat, which is currently being tested as a treatment for chronic kidney disease and diabetic eye disease. It works by turning down pathways related to scar formation, blood flow and inflammation.
Using human eye cells in the lab, Sophia found that runcaciguat blocked signals linked to scar formation. Her work suggests a new treatment approach for AMD.
Sophia attends Centennial High School, where she is secretary of its chapter of math honor society Mu Alpha Theta.
Beyond the Project
Sophia is the vice president of Centennial鈥檚 Key Club, leading projects including meal events and donation drives.
FUN FACTS: Sophia speaks Mandarin and French and is co-president of her school鈥檚 French culture club. She also volunteers at a Baltimore thrift store that supports the nearby homeless community.
