The Li Lab develops single-molecule imaging technologies to dissect the spatial regulation of gene expression. Through a combination of cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics and mathematical modeling, we strive to reveal fundamental principles governing gene expression dynamics and their implications for health and disease.

Why Join Us? 

• Access to cutting-edge imaging technologies. 
• Personalized mentorship to support your career in academia or industry.  
• A welcoming and collaborative lab culture. 
• Hands-on training in advanced imaging to boost your career prospects.
• Located in a safe, affordable city with a high quality of life.

The Li Lab seeks a molecular understanding of how cells control the spatial organization of gene expression. We use advanced single-molecule imaging techniques to study the precise localization of mRNAs and proteins, and to understand how their disruption can lead to disease.  

For instance, in yeast, approximately 20% of all the mRNAs are targeted to the surfaces of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, where they are translated to support organelle biogenesis and maintenance. In neurons, certain mRNAs are transported to synapses, where they play essential roles in synaptic activity and learning. Dysregulated mRNA localization in neurons is associated with neurological disorders, including fragile X syndrome (FXS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 

We aim to uncover the mechanisms that regulate the spatial organization of gene expression and determine the consequences of its dysregulation.

K99/R00 NIH/NIGMS Pathway to Independence Award

Dennis Shields Research Award

American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship 

UCSF Zaffaroni Family Fellowship

The Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry

The Brown RNA Center