Hereditary Genetics: Current Research

Willis Li

Willis Li
Professor of Medicine
University of California, USA

Biography

My lab studies the JAK/STAT pathway in animal development, immunity, aging, and stem cell maintenance.  We also investigate the role of JAK/STAT signaling in pathological conditions such as tumor formation and hyperactive immune responses. A current focus of the lab is how JAK/STAT signaling influences cellular epigenetic states, including heterochromatin formation and chromatin modification, and their effects on multiple biological processes.

Research Interest

1. JAK/STAT signaling and innate immunity
2. Epigenetic Mechanisms of Tumor Suppression and Tumorigenesis
3. Role of Heterochromatin in Aging and in Stem Cells