Xiaolei Liu, PhD

Research Interests

The heart contains a complex network of lymphatics (lymphatic vessels) that are essential to drain interstitial fluid and for immune surveillance to maintain homeostasis. In the recent years, research on cardiac lymphatics has received extensive attention as cardiac lymphatics has emerged to be a potential therapeutic target to promote cardiac function after ischemic heart disease.

Research in the Liu lab will focus on understanding the development and the function of cardiac lymphatics in cardiovascular disease. We will use a variety of genetic mouse models lacking/gaining lymphatic function, in combination with high-throughput sequencing, state-of-the-art imaging to dissect the molecular and cellular mechanisms how cardiac lymphatics regulate cardiac regeneration (in neonates) and repair (in adult mice). The ultimate goal is to develop novel therapeutic approaches for treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Educational Background

• PhD, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK

Memberships

• American Heart Association
• North American Vascular Biology Organization
• Lymphatic Education & Research Network

Honors & Awards

• American Heart Association Career Development Award (2018-2022)
• Gordon Research Conference-Lymphatics Poster Award (2020)
• F1000 Travel Grant Award (2019)
• NAVBO travel award to 20th International Vascular Biology Meeting (2018)
• LE&RN Young Investigator Conference Scholarship Award (2016, 2018)

Digital Bibliography

View Digital Bibliography

Selected Publications

Liu X, De la Cruz E, Gu X, Balint L, Oxendine-Burns M, Terrones T, Ma W, Kuo HH, Lantz C, Bansal T, Thorp E, Burridge P, Jakus Z, Herz J, Cleaver O, Torres M, Oliver G. Lymphoangiocrine signals promote cardiac growth and repair. Nature. 2020 Dec;588(7839):705-711.

Ma W, Gil HJ, Liu X, Diebold LP, Morgan MA, Oxendine-Burns MJ, Gao P, Chandel NS, Oliver G. Mitochondrial respiration controls the Prox1-Vegfr3 feedback loop during lymphatic endothelial cell fate specification and maintenance. Sci Adv. 2021 Apr;7(18).

Lioux G, Liu X, Temiño S, Oxendine M, Ayala E, Ortega S, Kelly RG, Oliver G, Torres M. A Second Heart Field-Derived Vasculogenic Niche Contributes to Cardiac Lymphatics. Dev Cell. 2020 Feb 10;52(3):350-363.e6.

Gur-Cohen S, Yang H, Baksh SC, Miao Y, Levorse J, Kataru RP, Liu X, de la Cruz-Racelis J, Mehrara BJ, Fuchs E. Stem cell-driven lymphatic remodeling coordinates tissue regeneration. Science. 2019 Dec 6;366(6470):1218-1225. doi: 10.1126/science.aay4509.

Liu X, Oliver G. New insights about the lymphatic vasculature in cardiovascular diseases. F1000Res. 2019;8.