Xiaoguang Sun, MD, PhD

My research has been focusing on G-protein related receptors in cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases by genetic, molecular biology, cell biology and physiology approach. I have explored this area with several reports published in highly respected, peer-reviewed journals. My research interests covers systemic hypertension, drug tolerance, and complex lung disorders such as asthma and acute lung injury (ALI/ARDS). Our previous genomic-intensive approaches to capture potentially novel ALI/VILI (ventilator-induced lung injury) susceptibility candidate genes identified NAMPT/PBEF as a novel candidate gene and biomarker in sepsis and ALI. As a co-investigator, I have been studying the regulation of NAMPT/PBEF expression by genetic and epigenetic influences, including NAMPT/PBEF promoter activity, roles of transcription factors in gene expression, and NAMPT/PBEF Single Nucleotide Polymorphism- or SNP-mediated alteration of NAMPT/PBEF gene transcription. I have a broad background in molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacogenetics, and cell biology, with specific training and expertise in key research areas for this application. I have more than three years of experience working with NAMPT/PBEF genes, and their function in EC (endothelial cell) barrier regulation.