Our research goals are to advance our knowledge on the fundamental mechanisms of somatic aging, lipid metabolism and reproductive senescence. These intertwined biological processes exert profound influence on human health, and are the major risk factors for various chronic and degenerative diseases. Our laboratory has been studying the molecular mechanisms governing these key biological processes and their complex interrelationship, by harnessing the power of functional genomics in Caenorhabditis elegans with metabolomics/lipodomics, chemical engineering and optical biophysics.

Our research has uncovered a lysosome-to-nucleus retrograde lipid messenger pathway, provided in-depth biochemical mechanisms for its action and demonstrated its novel roles in regulating longevity. We have also discovered a previously unknown communication mode between bacteria and host mitochondria, deciphered bacteria-derived metabolites mediating this ancient dialogue and their signaling mechanisms and determined their vital effects on host’s lipid metabolism and longevity. In addition, our work provides evidence that volatile metabolites signal through specific olfactory neuroendocrine nexus to shape reproductive and metabolic strategies. Technically, we have developed and applied hyperspectral and isotope-labeling-coupled stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy systems for investigating in vivo spatiotemporal dynamics of metabolite molecules and its previously unknown association with metabolic pathologies. Based on SRS microscopy, we have assembled high-throughput platforms for both forward and reverse genetic screens, leading to the discovery of new regulatory mechanisms of lipid metabolism.

Ongoing projects in my laboratory include: (1) investigating the systemic role of lipid signaling in the regulation of longevity; (2) studying the mechanistic link governing the signaling crosstalk between bacteria and host mitochondria; (3) characterizing the cellular and molecular mechanism regulating reproductive homeostasis during aging; (4) analyzing lipid dynamics using quantitative SRS label-free imaging.