University of Kentucky · PhysiologyCholesterol Dynamics Lab
Xu Xiao · Lexington, Kentucky
Research Focus
Dr. Xu Xiao's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding and treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition that affects a large portion of the population. The lab investigates how cholesterol distribution within liver cells can influence fatty liver disease, aiming to identify new therapeutic strategies that can protect against liver damage and improve health outcomes. The research combines molecular biology techniques with pharmacological studies to explore the role of specific proteins in cholesterol transport and metabolism.
cholesterol transportmetabolic dysfunctionliver diseasetherapeutic strategiesAster-C
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate how Aster-C loss reduces fatty acid uptake in hepatocytes.
AIM 02Evaluate the impact of Aster-C loss on cholesterol metabolism and its effects on liver health.
AIM 03Test the therapeutic potential of Aster-C inhibitors in liver disease models.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturemolecular cloningWestern blotgene expression analysisanimal modelsdrug administrationpharmacokineticslipid extractionNile Red stainingimmunofluorescence microscopy