Overview
we are interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neural circuit formation during development and degeneration in aging. In my lab, We use a free-living tiny roundworm, called Caenorhabditis elegans, as a model. The defined cell lineage, completely mapped connectome and rapid life cycle of this organism greatly facilitate investigating nervous system at the subcellular resolution. Combining classic genetic analysis with in vivo live imaging technique and molecular and cellular manipulations, we are discovering conserved mechanisms playing key roles in neural circuit formation, gap junction dynamics and neurodegeneration
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
·
2022 - Present
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology,
Basic Science Departments
Associate Professor in Neurobiology
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2022 - Present
Neurobiology,
Basic Science Departments
Associate Professor of Cell Biology
·
2022 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
·
2013 - Present
Duke Institute for Brain Sciences,
University Institutes and Centers
Affiliate of the Duke Regeneration Center
·
2021 - Present
Duke Regeneration Center,
Basic Science Departments
Recent Publications
Heat shock proteins function as signaling molecules to mediate neuron-glia communication in C. elegans during aging.
Journal Article Nat Neurosci · June 18, 2025 The nervous system is primarily composed of neurons and glia, and the communication between them has profound roles in regulating the development and function of the brain. Neuron-glia signal transduction is known to be mediated by secreted signals through ... Full text Link to item CiteGABA signaling triggered by TMC-1/Tmc delays neuronal aging by inhibiting the PKC pathway in C. elegans.
Journal Article Sci Adv · December 21, 2022 Aging causes functional decline and degeneration of neurons and is a major risk factor of neurodegenerative diseases. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal aging, we developed a new pipeline for neuronal proteomic profiling in young a ... Full text Link to item CiteThe molecular basis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 48 caused by a de novo mutation in the ubiquitin ligase CHIP.
Journal Article J Biol Chem · May 2022 The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a class of incurable diseases characterized by degeneration of the cerebellum that results in movement disorder. Recently, a new heritable form of SCA, spinocerebellar ataxia type 48 (SCA48), was attributed to dominan ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Neurobiology Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029Training Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2001 - 2027Use of C. elegans as a model to study aging-associated neurodegeneration
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute on Aging · 2022 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences (China) ·
2006
Ph.D.