Yi Liao, PhD

My current research is primarily focused on the investigation of progenitor cells in the lower urinary tract, and the related cell biology. One area is to identify bladder cancer progenitor cells to provide targets for treatment; and to apply the progenitor cells to in vivo therapy post bladder wounding. Another area is to study tumorigenesis by manipulating the target gene expression and subsequent signaling. To achieve the goals, I use approaches involving cell biology, histology, biochemistry, cell culture, molecular biology, bioinformatics and employ various transgenic animal models. 

My previous studies include mechanism of fertilization, epithelial differentiation, membrane trafficking, organization and function of cytoskeletons.