Skip to main content

Liuyang Wang

Associate Research Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
0049 CARL, Box 3053, Durham, NC 27710
0049 CARL Box 3053 DUMC, 213 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


My overall research goals are centered on unraveling the molecular mechanism underpinning human disease susceptibility and harnessing these findings to innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. I have adopted a multidisciplinary approach that integrates genomics, transcriptomics, and computational biology. Leveraging high-throughput cellular screening and genome-wide association study (GWAS), we have successfully identified hundreds of genomic loci associated with 8 different pathogens (Wang et al. 2018). Utilizing single-cell RNA-seq, we developed scHi-HOST to rapidly identify host genes associated with the influenza virus (Schott and Wang, et al. 2022). I also have developed several novel statistical tools, CPAG and iCPAGdb, that estimate genetic associations among human diseases and traits (Wang et al. 2015, 2021). Combining experimental and computational approaches, I expect to gain a deeper understanding of the genetic architecture of human susceptibility to infection and inflammatory disorders.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Research Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology · 2024 - Present Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Basic Science Departments

Recent Publications


Context-specific eQTLs provide deeper insight into causal genes underlying shared genetic architecture of COVID-19 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Journal Article HGG Adv · April 10, 2025 Most genetic variants identified through genome-wide association studies (GWASs) are suspected to be regulatory in nature, but only a small fraction colocalize with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs, variants associated with expression of a gene). ... Full text Link to item Cite

Targeting senescent hepatocytes for treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and multi-organ dysfunction.

Journal Article Nat Commun · March 28, 2025 Senescent hepatocytes accumulate in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and are linked to worse clinical outcomes. However, their heterogeneity and lack of specific markers have made them difficult to target therapeutically. He ... Full text Link to item Cite
View All Publications

Recent Grants


Genetic Contributors to the Impact of Sex on Heterogeneity in Flu Infection

ResearchAssistant Research Professor · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2022 - 2027

Promoting T cell recovery after radiation injury with long-acting interleukin 7

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2027

Linking human TB genetic susceptibility loci to granuloma biology

ResearchAssistant Research Professor · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2022 - 2026

View All Grants

Education, Training & Certifications


Chinese Academy of Sciences (China) · 2009 Ph.D.