Wenxiang Luo, PhD
Research Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics
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About
Dr. Wenxiang Luo is a molecular and cell biologist and physiologist. During Dr. Luo's academic research career, Dr. Luo has conducted experiments to research physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms in different organ systems from molecule and cell to tissue and organ levels. The organ systems Dr. Luo investigated include reproductive system, lung, eyes, and brain. The diseases Dr. Luo investigated include preterm birth, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and ovarian disorder. Dr. Luo investigates the genes and signaling pathways that are involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders to provide new scientific evidence for future new therapies. Currently, Dr. Luo focuses on researching the pathogenesis of the diseases caused by preterm birth, and Dr. Luo also investigates the genetic mechanism of preterm birth. Dr. Luo found that genetic variation in innate immune system Toll-like receptor (TLR) 1 and 6 was associated with preterm birth. Dr. Luo's experimental findings also show that hyperoxia, a key causative factor for BPD, induces expression of inflammatory and fibrotic genes and activates Notch and JAK-STAT pathways in lung epithelial cells. These findings provide novel evidence to elucidate the pathogenesis of preterm birth and BPD. Dr. Luo is also interested in clinical trial studies to find new medications to treat the diseases affecting preterm infants. Dr. Luo mentors medical fellows in division of neonatology to conduct scientific research in neonatology lab.