Professor Xiang's current research focuses on aging/stress-related metabolic and inflammatory disorders and diseases like type 2 diabetes, diabetic cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and Alzheimer’s disease. We have recently characterized a novel insulin receptor and beta-adrenoceptor network expressed in different tissues. This opens a new field to understand insulin resistance in glucose metabolism and a broad range of cardiovascular and neuronal complications. We drew recent funding from NIH and VA to support these research directions. One of the major goals is to understand the prevalent co-existence of insulin resistance and adrenergic dysregulation in various diseases. We utilize a wide range of tools from single molecular analysis of receptor complex high resolution of living cell imaging to in vivo genetic, surgical, and pharmacological manipulation. By combining novel analytical tools with in vivo and in vitro characterization of receptor signaling and function, my laboratory has developed an integrative approach to systematically analyze insulin and adrenergic signaling in the brain and peripheral tissues. Eventually, we hope to provide information/strategies on clinical therapies for different metabolic and cardiovascular conditions.

Accepting students per funding availability.