Research in the Yang Lab, led by Zhihong (Joe) Yang, PhD is focused on the non-coding RNA’s roles in chronic liver disease, mainly in alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). Dr. Yang’s current project, which is funded by NIAAA, is to explore the role of H19 and methionine metabolism in ALD.
What is alcohol-associated liver disease?
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States, which ranges from alcoholic fatty liver (AFL), cirrhosis, to hepatocellular carcinoma. To date, the molecular mechanisms for ALD have not been fully understood. Overwhelming evidence shows non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs), are correlated with pathogenesis and progress of ALD.
Research Focus
The Yang Lab makes full use of several molecular biology techniques such as high-throughput sequencing, microarrays, and bioinformatic analysis to screen targets and to explore the potential molecular mechanisms in association with alcohol associated liver disease. The long-term goal is to provide new diagnostic and therapeutic targets and understanding the molecular mechanisms for the ultimate application in the clinic.