Laboratory Listing

Name: Eric C. Liao, MD, PhD

Lab Locations:
1. Harvard Stem Cell Institute, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches Research Building, Massachusetts General Hospital
2. Thier Research Building, Massachusetts General Hospital

Lab Facilities: Modern facility for wet lab research (molecular biology, genetics, immunohistochemistry). Zebrafish animal facility Microinjection, light and laser microscopy Large animal surgery

Animal Facilities: Yes

Type: zebrafish, mouse, pig, monkey

Type of Research: craniofacial developmental genetics, adipocyte stem cell biology, composite tissue transplantation, biofilm and biomaterials

Funding: foundation, corporate, departmental

Research Fellowship Available: Yes

Investigator's Name: Eric C. Liao, MD, PhD

Research Program:
1. Genetics of Cleft Lip and Palate Malformation The genetic basis of cleft lip and palate malformation is beginning to be unraveled, with identification of key transcriptional and signaling factors. The zebrafish has emerged as an ideal animal model for genetic analysis of developmental processes. Our group is focused on applying forward genetics and chemical genetics approaches toward zebrafish transgenic models of cleft lip and palate, to advance our molecular understanding of cleft lip and palate malformation.

2. Adipocyte Stem Cell Biology Despite a growing literature on adipocyte stem cells, the questions of whether these cells actually exist, and the molecular mechanisms regulating adipocyte growth remain unanswered. We have created a human embryonic stem cell differentiation protocol to model human disease. We are applying innovative stem cell strategies toward modeling of lipomatosis malformation and lipomatous disease states, which will reveal the molecular basis of adipocyte development.

3. Composite Tissue Transplantation The basic reconstruction principle of replacing a missing part with an equivalent one is possible with composite tissue allograft (CTA) transplantation. Previous studies in this laboratory using the miniature swine model have demonstrated methods of inducing tolerance to vascularized allogeneic transplants. We are taking novel approaches toward tolerance induction of CTA in pigs, and making progress toward preclinical models in cynomologous monkey model.

Funding available from supervisor
Arrange on individual basis

Other requirements (i.e. background, MD degree, etc.)
Please specify: Medical student, M.D. or Ph.D.

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