Wang, Hong-Yin
Primary Appointment
Research Assistant Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics
Education
- B.S., Laboratory Medicine, Central South University
- M.S., Biomedical Engineering, Central South University
- PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Southeast University
Contact Information
Pinn Hall RM 4217A, 1340 Jefferson Park Ave,
Charlottesville, VA 22908
Email: hw2yv@virginia.edu
Research Disciplines
Biophysics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, Neuroscience
Research Interests
Membrane homeostasis in cellular physiology and human disease
Research Description
Cellular activities are compartmentalized by lipid membranes with complex, dynamic lipid compositions, which determine many collective properties (fluidity, permeability, stiffness, lateral heterogeneity, trans-bilayer asymmetry, etc.) that enable cellular functions. These lipid compositions and membrane properties must be finely regulated through active lipid remodeling to maintain normal cellular function, a process called ‘membrane homeostasis’. Our research focuses on deciphering the mechanisms of membrane homeostasis and its role in cellular physiology and disease development. Specifically, we study (1) membrane asymmetry homeostasis in cell-cell fusion and bone disease; (2) membrane packing homeostasis in plasma membrane function and cellular signaling; (3) membrane lipidome homeostasis in age-associated Alzheimer’s disease