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Welcome to the Liu Lab

We are interested in understanding the fundamental mechanisms underlying cell-cell interactions and communication. Cells adapt to their environment mainly through the activities of signal transduction networks. Aberrations of normal signaling networks can lead to human diseases such as cancer and Parkinson's disease. We study how signaling systems such as TGF-ß or EGF regulate collective migration of epithelial sheets and wound healing using high content live-cell imaging and mathematical modeling. We are developing small molecule modulators of cell signaling networks that control cell proliferation and mitochondrial homeostasis and translating them for human therapeutics. Beyond growth factor signaling, we are also interested in deciphering the rules that govern intercellular communication via extracellular vesicles (EV). Borrowing from mechanisms of EV delivery, we are developing programmable EVs for delivering macromolecules to the intracellular space. See more research here.