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Email

nal@bcm.edu

Positions

Professor

Medicine
Cardiovascular Research
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Education

Advanced Training from Baylor College Of Medicine

01/2012 - Houston, TX United States

PhD from China Pharmaceutical University

07/2008 - Nanjing, China, People's Rep

Professional Interests

• To investigate novel molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy.

Professional Statement

Cardiac arrhythmias can dramatically disrupt heart function and even be life-threatening. These irregular heartbeats may stem from faulty ion transporters or tissue remodeling. Our research is driving innovation in three key areas:

1. Inflammatory Signaling in Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Pathogenesis: AF, the most common arrhythmia among adults, is becoming increasingly prevalent. We're diving deep into the connections between risk factors and AF pathophysiology, with a spotlight on inflammasome and FKBP5 signaling pathways to uncover groundbreaking insights.

2. Cardiac Conduction Disorder (CCD): CCD is widespread among those with heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or genetic conditions. Severe cases often require pacemaker implantation. Our mission is to decode the molecular underpinnings of CCD and pioneer novel therapies to transform patient care.

3. Rare Cardiac Arrhythmia - TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder (TDD): The TANGO2 gene is vital for cellular functions, especially in intracellular transport and Golgi organization. Mutations in TANGO2 can trigger TDD, a rare condition marked by metabolic crises. These episodes, spurred by infections, fasting, or stress, can cause severe cardiac arrhythmias, muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), and brain disease (encephalopathy). We're leveraging genetic mouse models to unravel the molecular mechanisms of TDD and test potential therapies in preclinical trials.

The Li Lab is supported by research grants from the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association, fueling our quest to combat cardiac arrhythmias with cutting-edge science and innovative solutions.

Websites

Selected Publications

• "." Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol.. 2014;
• "." Int J Cardiol.. 2015;
• "." Circulation. 2018;
• "." Cardiovasc Res. 2021; Pubmed PMID:

Funding

The Role of Gasdermin-D/Interleukin-1 Nexus in Atrial Arrhythmogenesis

Grant funding from NIH/NHLBI

Cardiac fibroblast inflammasome and atrial myopathy

Grant funding from NIH/NHLBI

Arrhythmogenesis associated with the TANGO2-deficiency

Grant funding from American Heart Association

FKBP5 AND CARDIAC ARRHYTHMOGENESIS

Grant funding from NIH/NHLBI