The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · GeneticsLiver Insight Lab
Mengwei Zang · San Antonio, Texas
Research Focus
Dr. Mengwei Zang's lab focuses on understanding the intricate processes behind alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), particularly how RNA splicing contributes to lipid metabolism disorders related to this condition. The lab aims to uncover the molecular roles of serine-arginine rich protein kinase 2 (SRPK2) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in modulating liver health and how these proteins can serve as potential targets for new therapies in ALD. Their research also involves the development of novel treatments aimed at reversing the damages caused by excessive alcohol consumption on the liver.
alcohol-associated liver diseaseRNA splicinglipid metabolismtherapeutic targetsSRPK2FGF21liver injurymolecular mechanismschronic liver disease
Research Aims
3AIM 01Elucidate the molecular mechanism by which SRPK2 regulates pre-mRNA splicing in lipid metabolism during ALD.
AIM 02Determine if FGF21 regulates SRPK2 in triglyceride and cholesterol metabolism in ALD.
AIM 03Assess the therapeutic implications of targeting SRPK2 for the treatment of ALD.
Skills the Lab Values
RNA sequencingmolecular biology techniquesgene expression analysismouse modelsin vivo pharmacological studiesbiochemical assayslipidomicscell culturealternative splicing profiling
Output against the department
Publications62bottom 15% of dept.220th of 259
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations7.6kbottom 42% of dept.150th of 259
this lab
most citedleast cited
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