Dr. Xiaochun Li's lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in Zaki Syndrome, a genetic disorder that leads to severe developmental issues in children. By studying the Wntless (WLS) protein and its role in Wnt signaling, the lab seeks to uncover how genetic mutations disrupt normal development. This research aims not only to deepen our understanding of human developmental biology but also to explore potential therapeutic strategies to treat conditions associated with birth defects.

Dr. Zhao Zhang's lab focuses on understanding lipid metabolism and its implications for diseases like atherosclerosis and liver disease. They study how a specific protein, HELZ2, regulates the degradation of Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) mRNA in the liver, which is crucial for managing cholesterol levels. By investigating genetic variations and their effects on lipid homeostasis, the lab aims to find new therapeutic strategies to treat metabolic disorders.