Yun Liang

[Liang Lab Website] (https://sites.google.com/msu.edu/lianglab/home)

###Education
2007, B.S. in Biological Sciences, Tsinghua University
2013, Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, University of California San Diego and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies
2015-2018, Postdoctoral training, University of Michigan

###Research Overview
Our lab studies sex differences in biology and diseases. We ask why these sex differences exist. We hypothesize that sex differences are important to the biology of the species such that they are selected during evolution.

In humans, one of the most remarkable differences between men and women is represented in the manifestation of immune-associated diseases. Many autoimmune diseases feature increased prevalence in females (~78% female overall and up to ~ 95% female for specific diseases). In contrast, infectious diseases affect more men than women. These phenotypic variations are determined by molecular differences between the two sexes as well as their interactions with the environment.

One way by which we test our hypothesis is to study the function of these molecular determinants of sex differences, with a focus on immune responses. We use a combination of -omic, molecular, cell-based, and animal-based approaches.

We hope our research will eventually lead to novel ways to prevent or treat autoimmune and infectious diseases, which remain major public health issues. Meanwhile, we pose this hypothetical question – if sex-biased autoimmunity/infection is a direct result of evolution, how will its eradication shape the future of human beings?

###Opportunities:
We are passionate about science and serious about the career development of future scientists and professionals.

To join us, please contact Dr. Yun Liang via email:  liangy40@msu.edu

To learn more about Dr. Liang and her research goals, go to the following link: https://physiology.natsci.msu.edu/physiology-news/department-of-physiology-welcomes-newest-faculty-member.aspx