Cardiac arrhythmias severely affect cardiac performance, and in some cases are lethal. Arrhythmias can result from dysfunctional ion channels located on the plasma membrane or abnormal intracellular calcium handling. We are interested in understanding the environmental factors that modulate the function of cardiac electrophysiology. 

 

Main Research Areas:

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1) Inflammatory signaling in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF).

AF is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in adults with an increasing prevalence. Several projects are designed to investigate the mechanistic link between the risk factors and AF pathophysiology. Among them, inflammasome signaling is a central focus. 

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2) Epigenetic regulation of cardiac conduction disorder (CCD).

CCD is very common in patients with heart failure/cardiomyopathy or with a genetic cause. Patients with severe CCD usually require pacemaker implantation. Understanding the molecular underpinning of various forms of CCD may help to develop new therapies for patients suffering from CCD. 

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3) Novel gene associated with cardiac arrhythmia – TANGO2 

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Li lab is funded by research grants from the National Institutes of Health and American Heart Association