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Yi-Ju Li

Professor of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Division of Integrative Genomics
Duke Box 104775, Durham, NC 27708
300 North Duke Street, 47-122 Carmichael Warehouse, Durham, NC 27701

Overview


My primary research areas include statistical genetics and the genetic investigation of human complex diseases and clinical outcomes. As the group leader of the Biostatistics and Clinical Outcome Group in the Department of Anesthesiology, I also have extensive experience in clinical research, applying both classical statistical modeling and modern machine learning methods to analyze clinical data. Below is a list of my research topics:"
  • Statistical genetics: development statistical methods for different genetic data and phenotypic measures
  • Genetics of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and age-at-onset (AAO) of AD
  • Genetics of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD)
  • Genetic and HLA association for drug induced liver injury (DILI)
  • Genetic and clinical research of postoperative outcomes, such as postoperative acute kidney injury, cognitive dysfunction, delirium, etc. 
  • Biomarker research for osteoarthritis (OA) and its progression

Current Duke Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics · 2021 - Present Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Division of Integrative Genomics, Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
Member of Duke Molecular Physiology Institute · 2014 - Present Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Institutes and Centers

Recent Scholarly Works


Epigenetic Age Acceleration and Hearing Function in US Older Adults.

Journal article Ear Hear · July 2026 OBJECTIVES: Hearing loss is a prevalent condition in older adults. Epigenetic age acceleration has emerged as a potential biomarker for age-related diseases; however, there is limited evidence of the link between epigenetic age acceleration and hearing los ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

Liver Injury From Medications Used for Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network Experience.

Journal article Liver Int · July 2026 BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate and characterise DILI due to approved therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: Using the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) prospective study, we evaluated definite, highly likely, or probable DILI ... Full text Link to item Cite

Leveraging genetic propensity to identify modifiable factors for the age at onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Journal article Alzheimers Dement · February 2026 INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of modifiable factors influencing age at onset (AAO) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains limited. This study utilizes genetic information to uncover such factors. METHODS: Using 43 exposure genome-wide association studies (GWAS) sum ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Drug Induced Liver Injury Network Data Coordinating Center

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2003 - 2028

Proteomic Biomarkers Predicting Osteoarthritis Onset and Progression

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Department of Defense · 2025 - 2027

Neurocognition & Greater Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm in AF (NOGGIN AF)

Clinical TrialBiostatistician · Awarded by National Institute on Aging · 2021 - 2027

View All Grants

External Links


Li Webpage