Research interests

Receptor guanylyl cyclases (rGCs) are a family of membrane-bound enzymes that directly synthesize the second messenger cGMP from GTP in response to diverse signaling cues. By elevating intracellular cGMP levels, rGCs regulate a wide range of physiological processes, including blood pressure control, bone development, intestinal water and solute homeostasis, and vision.

Recently, Dr. Liu in his postdoctoral training determined the first full-length structures of GC-A in both inactive and active states using single-particle cryo-EM. Building on these findings, the Liu lab will continue to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying rGC activation and to develop therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating their activity.

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest protein family in the human genome and detect a wide range of extracellular signals, including hormones, neurotransmitters, sensory stimuli, and chemokines. Upon activation, GPCRs transduce these signals into the cell to regulate numerous physiological processes, such as metabolism, immune responses, vision, and neural activity, making them one of the most important and extensively targeted classes in therapeutic drug development. 

Our lab employs biochemical, biophysical, and structural biology approaches to elucidate the activation mechanisms of GPCRs and to develop drugs targeting these receptors.