Shihuan Kuang

1. Stem cell biology and muscle regeneration. We use mouse models and human cells to study signaling mechanisms and metabolic pathways that regulate regenerative function of muscle stem cells called satellite cells (PMID: 17540178; 22493066; 28094257; 33068545). Recent single cell RNA-seq studies in the lab has led to the discovery of a subset of satellite cells with immune cell properties (PMID: 32248062; News Release). Ongoing studies aim to dissect the origin and function of these immunomyoblasts (i.e. immune gene-expressing myoblasts). Additional interests of the lab are to understand the role of lipid droplets and fatty acid metabolism in satellite cell biology (PMID: 35045287; 37063787; 37334900; 37883229).

2. Plasticity and regulation of white, beige and brown adipocytes. Following our discovery of the common origin of brown fat and skeletal muscle (PMID: 18719582), we have been exploring the lineage origin, cell fate regulation and function of various fat cells (PMID: 22037676; 23047894; 23740968; 23781029; 38772342). Ongoing studies combine our discovery with biomaterial approach to promote browning of white adipocytes to combat obesity and type 2 diabetes (PMID: 28624262; 31668904). Additional research aims to identify novel molecular regulators of adipocyte biology (PMID: 25038826; 33304767; 34669999; 35362877; 37816711). 

3. Cancer stem cells and metabolism, of sarcomas especially liposarcoma. We are the first group to report a key role of Notch signaling activation in tumorigenesis of adipocytes, resulting in dedifferentiated liposarcoma (PMID: 27573812), the result is validated by others in mice and humans (PMID: 29515034; 36464833). Current efforts in the lab focus on how Notch signaling regulates cancer stem cell status and metabolism in liposarcoma and other sarcomas (PMID: 25805408; 32866607; 37433985).