Positions
- Professor
-
Medicine
Cardiovascular Research
Baylor College of Medicine
Education
- Advanced Training from Baylor College Of Medicine
- 01/2012 - Houston, TX United States
- PhD from China Pharmaceutical University
- 07/2008 - Nanjing, China, People's Rep
Professional Interests
- To investigate novel molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy.
Professional Statement
Cardiac arrhythmias can dramatically disrupt heart function and even be life-threatening. These irregular heartbeats may stem from faulty ion transporters or tissue remodeling. Our research is driving innovation in three key areas:1. Inflammatory Signaling in Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Pathogenesis: AF, the most common arrhythmia among adults, is becoming increasingly prevalent. We're diving deep into the connections between risk factors and AF pathophysiology, with a spotlight on inflammasome and FKBP5 signaling pathways to uncover groundbreaking insights.
2. Cardiac Conduction Disorder (CCD): CCD is widespread among those with heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or genetic conditions. Severe cases often require pacemaker implantation. Our mission is to decode the molecular underpinnings of CCD and pioneer novel therapies to transform patient care.
3. Rare Cardiac Arrhythmia - TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder (TDD): The TANGO2 gene is vital for cellular functions, especially in intracellular transport and Golgi organization. Mutations in TANGO2 can trigger TDD, a rare condition marked by metabolic crises. These episodes, spurred by infections, fasting, or stress, can cause severe cardiac arrhythmias, muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), and brain disease (encephalopathy). We're leveraging genetic mouse models to unravel the molecular mechanisms of TDD and test potential therapies in preclinical trials.
The Li Lab is supported by research grants from the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association, fueling our quest to combat cardiac arrhythmias with cutting-edge science and innovative solutions.
Websites
Selected Publications
- "Loss of microRNA-106b-25 cluster promotes atrial fibrillation by enhancing ryanodine receptor type-2 expression and calcium release.." Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol.. 2014;
- "Identification of microRNA-mRNA dysregulations in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.." Int J Cardiol.. 2015;
- "Enhanced Cardiomyocyte NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Promotes Atrial Fibrillation.." Circulation. 2018;
- "NLRP3 Inflammasome Is a Key Driver of Obesity-Induced Atrial Arrhythmias." Cardiovasc Res. 2021; Pubmed PMID: 33523143
- "Inflammasomes and Proteostasis Novel Molecular Mechanisms Associated With Atrial Fibrillation." Circulation. 2020; Pubmed PMID: 32717176
- "Inflammatory signalling in atrial cardiomyocytes: a novel unifying principle in atrial fibrillation pathophysiology." Nat Rev Cardiol. 2023; Pubmed PMID: 36109633
- "Downregulation of FKBP5 Promotes Atrial Arrhythmogenesis." Circ Res. 2023; Pubmed PMID: 37154033
- "Cardiomyocyte Inflammasome Signaling in Cardiomyopathies and Atrial Fibrillation: Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Implications." Front Physiol.. 2018;
- "Chronic kidney disease promotes atrial fibrillation via inflammasome pathway activation." J Clin Invest. 2023; Pubmed PMID: 37581942
Funding
- The Role of Gasdermin-D/Interleukin-1 Nexus in Atrial Arrhythmogenesis Grant funding from NIH/NHLBI
- Cardiac fibroblast inflammasome and atrial myopathy Grant funding from NIH/NHLBI
- Arrhythmogenesis associated with the TANGO2-deficiency Grant funding from American Heart Association
- FKBP5 AND CARDIAC ARRHYTHMOGENESIS Grant funding from NIH/NHLBI
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