| The Dong Liu lab studies the genetic regulation of vascular and neuronal development and disease. |
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| Identification of novel regulators involved in physiological and pathological angiogenesis based on systematically screening on animal model and human disease. Vascular system serves to provide rapid transport of nutrients around the body and rapid removal of waste products for animals and human beings. It also delivers the signaling molecules for organ development and regeneration. Many of the events that occur during the normal progression of vascular development in the embryo are recapitulated during situations of physiological and pathological neoangiogenesis in the adult. The investigation of the regulatory function of genetic information in angiogenesis will significantly increase the knowledge to understand many physiological and pathophysiologic processes. Identification of novel regulators in angiogenesis is one of the most prominent scientific questions in cardiovascular research. Currently, we are answering this question and elucidating the role of those identified angiogenic regulators. Firstly, to systematically profile the evolutionarily conserved genes and non-coding RNAs， which are specifically expressed in endothelial cells (ECs) of vertebrates, using deep sequencing technology. Secondly, to systematically profile the evolutionarily conserved genes and non-coding RNAs, which are specifically expressed in arterial and venous ECs of vertebrates, using deep sequencing technology and transgenic zebrafish lines, in which the arteries and veins are labeled in different fluorescent proteins. Thirdly, to validate the expression of the identified genes and non-coding RNAs in blood vessels and screen the genes specifically expressed in blood vessels in selected pathways and gene families, using whole mount in situ hybridization. Finally, to investigate the functional roles and regulatory mechanism of those identified novel regulators in angiogenesis, using combination of a serial of techniques including high-resolution live imaging and different gene knockout and transgenic zebrafish lines. |
| Open Positions |
| We are always looking for motivated people! Whether your weapon of choice is pipette or keyboard (or both): if you have the impression that this lab is doing interesting research that you would like to contribute to, do not hesitate to contact us. If you enjoy discussing your work with people in this lab may be just right! |
| How to get to our lab |
| Building 8, Room 107 in Qixiu Campus |
| Building 15, Room C1102, Seyuan Campus, Nantong University, Nantong, China 226001 |