Dr. Xue's research interests lie in studying the mechanisms of programmed cell death (or apoptosis), phospholipid asymmetry in biological membranes, mitochondrial inheritance, radiation-and stress-induced bystander effects, and exercise-mediated improvement of neuronal health, as well as various human diseases associated with abnormalities in these fundamental biological processes. His laboratory has been using molecular genetic, biochemical, cell biological, pharmacological, and structural biological approaches to study the mechanisms that regulate and execute these important cellular and developmental processes in the nematode C. elegans and in mammals. Dr. Xue’s group also uses C. elegans as an animal model to conduct drug discovery to treat human diseases, including cancer, hepatitis B virus, mitochondrial disease, and neurodegenerative disease.
keywords
apoptosis, necrosis, genetics, developmental biology, lipid asymmetry, hepatitis B virus, mitochondrial and ER signaling, mitochondrial inheritance, drug screens, biochemistry, cell biology, genome editing, radiation-induced bystander effects, neurodegenerative disorders, mitochondrial disease, stress response
MCDB 4426 - Cell Signaling and Developmental Regulation
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024 / Fall 2025
Introduces several cell signaling processes and their biological functions. Students read and analyze original research articles to learn the thinking processes of scientific research. Writing assignments and oral presentations are required. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 and CHEM 4700 (minimum grade C-). Same as MCDB 5426.
MCDB 4990 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020
Involves the preparation and defense of an honors thesis, based on faculty-supervised original research, including final phases of the research project. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 4840 or MCDB 4980 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.3 and approval by the MCDB Honors Committee.
MCDB 5426 - Cell Signaling and Developmental Regulation
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024 / Fall 2025
Introduces several cell signaling processes and their biological functions. Students read and analyze original research articles to learn the thinking processes of scientific research. Writing assignments and oral presentations are required. Same as MCDB 4426.
MCDB 6000 - Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025
Introduces methodology and techniques used in biological research. Designed as a tutorial between a few students and one faculty member. Students are expected to read original research papers, discuss findings, and to plan and execute experiments in selected areas. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
