Research
Neurodegeneration arising from aging, injury, or diseases has devastating health consequences. Unfortunately, we still lack effective treatments to cure it. In our lab, we aim to identify potential biomarkers, drug targets, and active drug compounds for neurodegeneration. To accomplish this goal, we established a photo-switchable assay system in both developing and mature neurons to study the mechanisms underlying dendrite regeneration and repair (Liu etal., 2022). In this system, we apply photo-switchable caspase-3 (caspase-Light–Oxygen–Voltage-sensing [caspase-LOV]) in fly peripheral sensory neurons, class IV dendrite arborization (c4da) neurons, to elicit neurodegeneration systematically (Liu et al., 2022; Smart et al., 2017). C4da neurons in the Drosophila peripheral nervous system are ideal for understanding dendrite development, degeneration, and repair. They not only have elaborated dendrite structures that can repair after laser severing but also have well-characterized electrophysiological and behavioral readouts for assessing functional recovery (Jan and Jan, 2010).
Currently, there are three main directions that we are pursuing:
1. What genes are involved in dendrite degeneration and regeneration?
We are actively searching for genes involved in dendrite degeneration and repair taking advantage of the powerful fly genetics and reagents available and adopting this strategy for studying neural degeneration and repair in other organisms. We have developed a deep-learning-based automated tool to rapidly characterize how candidate genes influence neural morphology (Liu et al., 2022).
2. How can we restore impaired neuronal functions?
C4da neurons are nociceptive neurons equipped with class-specific sensory modalities for sensing high temperature, harsh mechanical stimulation, noxious chemicals, and harmful shortwave length light (Gorczyca et al., 2014; Hwang et al., 2012; Jan and Jan,2010; Ultanir et al., 2012; Xiang et al., 2010; Zhong et al., 2010). Activation of C4da neurons is essential and sufficient to initiate escape behaviors, including fast crawling and rolling (Hwang et al., 2007; Ohyama et al., 2015, 2013; Tracey, 2017).
3. How is aging affecting dendrite degeneration and repair?
Aging is known as one of the high-risk factors for neurodegeneration. We are curious about the cellular mechanism of dendrite degeneration and repair in aging.
In addition to the directions mentioned above, we have several side projects trying to understand how the environment modulates and challenges our nervous system. Come talk to us to learn more!
RECRUIT
We are always looking for talented students from high school to graduate school level and postdocs. Please contact Dr. Liu if you want to learn more about our ongoing work!
For undergraduate students, NHRI offers research fellowships for qualified domestic and international students. Accommodations (on-campus housing) may be available. Anyone who is interested please find details from the link below or contact Dr. Liu.
Options for Taiwanese undergraduate or recent graduate interns:
- Apply for the NHRI summer intern program: https://summerresearch.nhri.edu.tw/SummerResearch/Portal.jsp
Options for international undergraduate or recent graduate interns:
National Science and Technology Council (International Internship Pilot Program, IIPP)
- You can email for discussions first or apply directly on the website (https://iipp.tw/program).
Ministry of Education's Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP)
- Start by emailing for discussions, then proceed with the application arrangements.