Customer Spotlight: Dr. Zehuan Liao - From Plant Genetics to Brain Health
Dr. Liao's journey into groundbreaking research began with a fascination for the genetic regulation of plant regeneration and asexual reproduction in Kalanchoe daigremontiana during his days working on undergraduate research projects at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. This initial spark ignited a passion that propelled him into the complex world of gene regulation and its implications for human health. His research trajectory, while seemingly diverse, reveals a consistent thread: an unwavering dedication to understanding the intricate mechanisms of gene mutations and their impact on biological systems, particularly in the context of human diseases.
Dr. Liao's PhD work at Karolinska Institute and Nanyang Technological University focused on cancer and a deep dive into oncological gene regulations. This laid the groundwork for his exploration of a seemingly disparate area: degenerative diseases marked by CAG repeat expansion mutations. This shift, while exploring a different type of mutation, remained rooted in his core interest in genetic irregularities and their role in diseases.
During his research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Liao made a remarkable discovery with his mentor Dr. Pan Li. He found that this specific repeat mutation caused significant metabolic changes in lipids – a novel finding, previously unreported by other research groups. This groundbreaking observation centered on the mouse model brain cortex, the region responsible for higher-level thinking and motor skills.
This insight is particularly relevant to Dr. Liao's current work on spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), a group of neurological disorders. His research now focuses on understanding the significance of these lipid changes in the brains of SCA mouse models. Crucially, he's investigating whether these changes can be targeted for new drug development or even drug repurposing, offering a potential pathway to effective treatments. Dr. Liao humbly attributes some of his success to a combination of hard work and serendipitous timing, acknowledging the role of chance in shaping his research direction.
He also shared some of the challenges he's faced. While the shift from plant research to oncology to neurodegenerative research might appear significant, Dr. Liao explains that the underlying principles of gene regulation provided a strong foundation. The move stemmed from a desire to focus his efforts on research with a more direct impact. He emphasizes the invaluable use of spatial transcriptomic technology which will allow him to examine specific cells, including neurons, affected by mutations. This spatial approach holds immense promise for developing targeted therapeutics.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Liao shared a powerful lesson: research is a long and transformative process. It requires resilience and the ability to embrace failures as learning opportunities. He also acknowledged the profound influence of his mentors, whose advice emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in research. "Do not be afraid to challenge what you read,” Dr. Liao said. “Because now we know that every research method has its limitations.” He stressed the value of approaching research with a healthy skepticism and employing diverse approaches to validate findings, thereby strengthening the reliability of conclusions.
Dr. Liao's passion for discovery is fueled not only by his rigorous scientific pursuits but also by the joy he finds in family life and his passion in mathematics, particularly number theory. These complementary passions nurture his intellectual spirit and provide a foundation for his scientific endeavors. His life serves as a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge, the constant questioning, and exploration is a journey that engages the whole person. It is this dedication that drives scientific progress.
Dr. Liao's work underscores the critical need for continued research into neurodegenerative diseases like spinocerebellar ataxia. While it's a complex condition affecting coordination and balance, understanding the underlying genetic and metabolic dysregulation, as Dr. Liao is doing, brings us closer to potential treatments. If you or someone you know is impacted by ataxia, it's important to seek information and support from reputable resources like the National Ataxia Foundation or the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. They offer comprehensive information about the various types of ataxia, current research, and support networks.