Graduate Program in Physiology & Integrative Biology

The central focus of my lab has been on understanding the metabolic and signaling role of retinoids (vitamin A and its metabolites) that act as transcriptional regulators of genes controlling cellular proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and apoptosis.  Specifically, my research is directed toward understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of how retinoids, as well as retinoid-interacting proteins, are involved in maintaining the physiological functions of hepatic, adipose, pulmonary, and intestinal cells in the context of whole-body metabolism. My lab is interested in understanding how the disruption of retinoid metabolism and signaling contributes to the development of functional alterations in the adult lungs as well as in metabolic disease, including obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

Publications

NCBI Bibliography

Dr. Xiao and his team focus on multiple research interests in female reproductive biology and toxicology, including (1) ovarian impacts of environmental contaminants and clinical drugs; (2) drug development of non-hormonal female contraception and fertoprotectant, and (3) engineering female reproduction-on-chip. These projects are supported by NIEHS, NICHD, DOD, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Publications

NCBI Bibliography

The research in the Yang laboratory focuses on the most current topics in the intersecting fields of immunology and neuroscience. Recent research has shed new light on the close interaction between the immune system and the brain, challenging the traditional notion of the immune privilege of the brain. At the forefront of this exploration, we are committed to advancing our understanding of the role played by brain-associated lymphocytes in regulating brain barrier integrity, neuroinflammation, and cognition.

Our work, featured in Nature Immunology (2022) and the Journal of Experimental Medicine (2020), focuses on unraveling the inflammatory mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. We welcome students with a keen interest in immunology or neuroscience to join us in delving into this exciting field.

Our ongoing projects cover a diverse array of areas:

• Investigating the role of tissue-resident lymphocytes in maintaining the integrity of brain barriers and their impact on the brain's physiological function.
• Exploring the interactions between brain-infiltrating immune cells, glia cells, and neurons, particularly in the context of aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and vascular dementia.
• Profiling the spatial and single-cell atlas of immune cells in the brain across various disease states.

Publications