Research Interests
- Axonal regeneration in the CNS
- Neuronal repair
- Spinal cord injury
- Cell death and neuronal survival
Shuxin Li Lab focuses on Axonal regeneration in the CNS, Neuronal repair, Spinal cord injury, and Cell death and neuronal survival. Following central nervous system (CNS) injury or with degenerative neurological disorders, loss of neuronal cells and axonal disconnection usually results in persistent dysfunction with a very limited recovery. So far, the medical treatments to enhance recovery from neurological deficits due to signal conduction failure are extremely restricted. Our long-term goals are to elucidate molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neuronal damage and growth failure and to develop effective therapies to maximize recovery from neurological deficits caused by CNS axon damages, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. One area of our research is to characterize axonal growth inhibition mediated by extrinsic factors, such as myelin-derived molecules and glial scar-related proteoglycans. We have recently identified a functional receptor of LAR phosphatase that mediates axon growth inhibition by scar-sourced inhibitors. We are also highly interested in exploring intracellular signaling pathways for regulating neuronal growth, including the reduced growth capacity of adult neurons in the CNS. Another emphasis of our studies is to understand the signaling mechanisms underlying neural cell death in the CNS after injuries. The final goal of our research is to develop successful therapeutic strategies for improving recovery from CNS injuries by promoting regeneration of axotomized-neurons and survival of injured neural cells. We have developed a number of small antagonist peptides which have great therapeutic potential for CNS lesions. To achieve our goal, we employ various in vitro and in vivo research approaches, including protein binding assays, genetic and pharmacological methods, neuronal cultures, neurite/axon growth analysis, in vivo axon lesion models, and behavioral evaluations in rodents.
Education, Training & Credentials
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, Neurobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 2004
- PhD, Neurobiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada, 2000
- Fellowship, Neurosurgery, Toronto University, Toronto, Canada, 1997
- Residency, Henan Medical University Hospital, Zhengzhou, China, 1994
- MSc, Neurosurgery, Henan Medical University, Zhengzhou, China, 1989
- Internship, Henan Medical University Hospital, Zhengzhou, China, 1986
- MD, Henan Medical University, Zhengzhou, China, 1986
Memberships
- National Neurotrauma Society
- Society for Neuroscience