University of California-Los Angeles · Biomedical EngineeringLi Cell Engineering Lab
Song Li · Los Angeles, California
Research Focus
The lab directed by Dr. Song Li at UCLA focuses on cell engineering, particularly enhancing the process of reprogramming somatic cells into induced neuronal cells using mechanical factors. They explore how manipulating the physical properties of cell nuclei can affect gene expression and chromatin structure, paving the way for advancements in regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug discovery.
cell reprogrammingmechanical deformationchromatin remodelinginduced neuronal cellsCRISPRgene editingepigeneticsmicrofluidicsbiophysicsregenerative medicine
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate how nuclear deformation modulates the epigenetic state to enhance iN reprogramming.
AIM 02Determine the role of nuclear lamina in mediating nuclear deformation-induced epigenetic changes.
AIM 03Investigate the enhancement of CRISPR-mediated neuronal gene activation by mechanical squeezing.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturemicrofluidic device fabricationCRISPR gene editinggenome-wide epigenetic profilinghigh-throughput genomic analysismechanical testingbiophysics analysis3D cell modelingMolecular Conformation techniques