Assistant Professor
liang.1647@osu.edu
Graves Hall
333 W. 10th Ave
Columbus, OH 43210
My PubMed
Research Interests
Ion channels and phospholipid scramblases of the TMEM16 family are critical regulators of calcium signaling, membrane lipid dynamics, and cellular physiology. Dysregulation of these proteins contributes to a broad spectrum of diseases, including thrombosis, sickle cell disease, hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction. Using multidisciplinary approaches that integrate biophysics, cell biology, and animal models, our laboratory aims to elucidate how TMEM16 family proteins are activated and regulated, their roles in pathophysiology, and how these pathways can be therapeutically targeted.
We are particularly interested in the following directions:
Molecular mechanisms governing TMEM16 family activation and regulation.
We investigate the structure–function relationships and regulatory mechanisms of the TMEM16 family, as well as related superfamily members such as TMEM63/OSCA proteins, with an emphasis on calcium- and mechanically driven gating, lipid scrambling, and ion conduction.
Physiological and pathological roles of TMEM16 family proteins and their functional coupling with calcium-permeable channels.
We study how TMEM16 proteins functionally interact with other calcium-permeable channels, particularly the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO1, to regulate membrane phospholipid dynamics, cell signaling, and disease-relevant cellular behaviors in red blood cells, endothelial cells, and cardiovascular tissues.
Therapeutic targeting of TMEM16 family proteins and associated signaling pathways.
We aim to develop and characterize small-molecule modulators targeting TMEM16 proteins and their interacting partners for the treatment of cardiovascular and hematological disorders, including but not limited to thrombosis, sickle cell disease, hypertension, and heart disease.
Our Techniques and Approaches
• Electrophysiology
• Optical imaging
• Mouse models
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry and biophysics
• Blood coagulation assays
Education and Training:
• PhD: University of South Florida
• Post-doctoral: Duke University Medical Center