Research Topics

Development, Membrane Biology, Metabolic Regulation, Protein Structure, Signal Transduction

Disease Research Interests

Cancer, Metabolic Disorders/Diabetes, Trauma, Bleeding & Tissue Regeneration

B.S., Peking University, China (Biology)
Ph.D., Rice University (Biochemistry)
Postdoc., Harvard University

Video interview

Signal Transduction in Mammalian Cell Biology and Development

Our laboratory is interested in understanding signal transduction mechanisms that underlie fundamental cellular and developmental processes in mammals. We employ a combination of experimental approaches including molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics, and mouse models. Over the years we have unraveled novel signaling mechanisms, mostly of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) network, in the regulation of a wide range of biology, including cell growth, autophagy, metabolism, and skeletal muscle differentiation/regeneration. Currently, the lab is focusing on lipid signaling, autophagy, and cell-cell communication via cytokines in the contexts of skeletal muscle regeneration and muscular dystrophy.

For more details visit lab website.

Faculty Research Excellence Award, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois, 2023
University Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring, University of Illinois, 2021
Faculty Excellence Award, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois, 2011
University Scholar, University of Illinois, 2007
American Cancer Society Research Scholar, 2003 - 2007
NIH Shannon Award for New Investigators, 1998
Irvington Institute of Immunology Fellow, 1994 - 1997

Dept. of Cell and Developmental Biology
University of Illinois
B107 CLSL
601 S. Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801