Ph.D. - Molecular Pathology-Lipid Sciences
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Professional Preparation
M.S. - Occupational Health and Toxicology
Fudan University
Fudan University
B.S - Preventive Medicine
Fudan University
Fudan University
Research Areas
Our long-term research interest is to identify critical mediators and important pathways that contribute to the development of advanced liver damage (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and associated metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and chronic inflammation.Publications
Ezetimibe Normalizes Dietary Cholesterol-Induced Exacerbation of Liver Injury in Alcohol-Fed Mice 2026 - publications
Spontaneous and pharmacologically induced hypothermia protect mice against endotoxic shock
2025 - publications
2025 - publications
Ablation of Sympathetic Nerve-β3 Adrenergic Receptor-mediated Adipose Tissue Lipolysis Attenuates Alcohol-induced Liver Injury in Mice
2025 - publications
2025 - publications
Hepatocyte Toll-Like Receptor 4 Mediates Alcohol-Induced Insulin Resistance in Mice
2023 - publications
2023 - publications
NPC1L1 Deficiency Suppresses Ileal Fibroblast Growth Factor 15 Expression and Increases Bile Acid Pool Size in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Mice 2021 - publications
TLR4 signaling selectively and directly promotes CGRP release from vagal afferents in the mouse
2020 - publication
2020 - publication
Appointments
Instructor
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas [2017–2020]
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas [2017–2020]
Projects
1. Role of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in protecting rats from ALD
The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system and plays an important role in regulating inflammation and metabolic homeostasis. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been approved by FDA to treat patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and depression. By collaborating with Dr. Crystal Engineer, our research investigates whether VNS can mitigate liver injury and organ immune responses, improve metabolic function, and modulate gut microbiota in alcohol-exposed rats. These studies aim to uncover the mechanisms through which neuroimmune signaling influences ALD and provide experimental evidence whether VNS acts as a potential therapeutic strategy in combating ALD.
2. Role of resident Kupffer cells and infiltrating macrophages in the initiation and progression of chronic liver diseases
Macrophages are key regulators of liver homeostasis. We are interested in elucidating the distinct and interactive roles of resident Kupffer cells and monocyte-derived infiltrating macrophages during the initiation and progression of chronic liver diseases. By investigating how these immune cell populations contribute to inflammation, tissue remodeling, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis, our work aims to identify novel immunomodulatory targets for the prevention and treatment of various liver diseases.
3. Understanding organ crosstalk in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases
Chronic liver diseases are increasingly recognized as systemic disorders involving complex communication among multiple organs, including the gut, adipose tissue, brain, and immune system. Our research focuses on deciphering the molecular, metabolic, neural, and immune signaling pathways that mediate inter-organ communication and influence liver disease progression. Understanding these organ-to-organ interactions will provide new insights into disease mechanisms and facilitate the development of effective therapeutic approaches.
4. Using cell-type-specific targeting strategies to combat liver diseases
The liver is composed of diverse cell populations, including hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, endothelial cells, and infiltrating immune cells, each playing distinct roles in disease pathogenesis. In addition, cells in extrahepatic organs, such as adipocytes, intestinal epithelial cells, and splenic myeloid cells, contribute significantly to disease development through complex interorgan communication networks. Our research focuses on applying cell-type-specific targeting strategies to selectively modulate pathogenic cellular pathways while minimizing off-target effects. By leveraging advances in molecular biology, nanotechnology, drug delivery, and genetic engineering, we aim to precisely target disease-driving cell populations involved in inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis. This approach has the potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy, reduce adverse effects, and provide innovative treatments for chronic liver diseases and liver cancer.
The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system and plays an important role in regulating inflammation and metabolic homeostasis. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been approved by FDA to treat patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and depression. By collaborating with Dr. Crystal Engineer, our research investigates whether VNS can mitigate liver injury and organ immune responses, improve metabolic function, and modulate gut microbiota in alcohol-exposed rats. These studies aim to uncover the mechanisms through which neuroimmune signaling influences ALD and provide experimental evidence whether VNS acts as a potential therapeutic strategy in combating ALD.
2. Role of resident Kupffer cells and infiltrating macrophages in the initiation and progression of chronic liver diseases
Macrophages are key regulators of liver homeostasis. We are interested in elucidating the distinct and interactive roles of resident Kupffer cells and monocyte-derived infiltrating macrophages during the initiation and progression of chronic liver diseases. By investigating how these immune cell populations contribute to inflammation, tissue remodeling, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis, our work aims to identify novel immunomodulatory targets for the prevention and treatment of various liver diseases.
3. Understanding organ crosstalk in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases
Chronic liver diseases are increasingly recognized as systemic disorders involving complex communication among multiple organs, including the gut, adipose tissue, brain, and immune system. Our research focuses on deciphering the molecular, metabolic, neural, and immune signaling pathways that mediate inter-organ communication and influence liver disease progression. Understanding these organ-to-organ interactions will provide new insights into disease mechanisms and facilitate the development of effective therapeutic approaches.
4. Using cell-type-specific targeting strategies to combat liver diseases
The liver is composed of diverse cell populations, including hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, endothelial cells, and infiltrating immune cells, each playing distinct roles in disease pathogenesis. In addition, cells in extrahepatic organs, such as adipocytes, intestinal epithelial cells, and splenic myeloid cells, contribute significantly to disease development through complex interorgan communication networks. Our research focuses on applying cell-type-specific targeting strategies to selectively modulate pathogenic cellular pathways while minimizing off-target effects. By leveraging advances in molecular biology, nanotechnology, drug delivery, and genetic engineering, we aim to precisely target disease-driving cell populations involved in inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis. This approach has the potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy, reduce adverse effects, and provide innovative treatments for chronic liver diseases and liver cancer.