Neurohormonal regulation of metabolism and ageing in the heart and brain
We are a part of the UCLA Cardiovascular theme and metabolic theme. Dr. Xiang is a member of the UCLA MCIP graduate program and neuroscience Program.
Our lab investigates diabetes and metabolic disorders in obesity and ageing, focusing on their links to cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Using tools ranging from single-molecule imaging to whole-animal genetic models, we aim to uncover mechanisms and develop innovative therapies for conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Key discoveries:
Identifying the amyloid peptide as an allosteric partial agonist for the CNS beta2 adrenergic receptor in Alzheimer's disease. PMCID: PMC2923357
Developing SiMPull for studying single biomolecules on TIRF microscope. PMCID: PMC3103084: PMC3654178
Characterizing the insulin/beta2 adrenergic receptor signaling complex in diabetic hearts. PMCID: PMC5302024
Defining two functional subpopulations of a GPCR in a single hippocampal neuron. PMCID: PMC5849717
Characterizing an intracellular pool of beta1 adrenergic receptor in SERCA2a regulation in the heart. PMCID: PMC7856104
News
Chaoqun's paper accepted in Function. [link]
Sherif won the oral competition in Young invesitgator session in 2025 ASPET, Portland.
Amr presented the novel role of thyroid hormone in septic hearts in ENDO2025, San Francisco.
An effort and why it matters!😀
We are actively recriuting postdoc fellows, Ph.D. students, and professional researchers.