Qiangrong Liang obtained his medical degree from Xian Medical University in China and Ph.D. degree with Dr. Paul Epstein at the University of North Dakota. He did postdoctoral research under the guidance of Dr. Jeff Molkentin at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
Liang’s teaching is in the area of receptor physiology and signal transduction mechanisms. His research interest has been focusing on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie acquired heart disease, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure. His past research has provided novel insight into the pathophysiological roles of several signaling pathways in the heart, including transcription factor GATA4, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p21-activated kinase (PAK1). Current research in his laboratory is addressing three questions: why diabetic patients are more susceptible to heart failure, how a widely used anti-cancer drug may contribute to heart failure, and how caloric restriction can protect the heart. Central to each question is the role of mitochondria. Using both cell culture and genetically modified animal models, Liang is investigating the molecular underpinnings and coordination of mitochondrial quality control processes including mitochondrial biogenesis, fission/fusion, and mitophagy.
Recent Projects/Research
- AMPK Activation for Caloric Restriction-Induced Cardioprotection
- Testing the role of mitochondrial fission and mitophagy in the diabetic heart
Publications
- Liang Q, Kobayashi S. Mitochondrial quality control in the diabetic heart. J Mol Cell Cardiol. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2016 Jun;95:57-69. doi: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.12.025. Epub 2015 Dec 29. Review. PMID: 26739215
- Kobayashi S, Liang Q. Autophagy and mitophagy in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2015 Feb;1852(2):252-261. doi: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2014.05.020. Epub 2014 May. PMID:24882754
- Chen K, Kobayashi S, Xu X, Viollet B, and Liang Q. AMP-Activated Protein Kinase is indispensable for myocardial adaptation during Caloric Restriction in Mice. PLoS One. 2013;8(3):e59682. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059682. Epub 2013 Mar 19. PMID:23527250, PMCID:PMC3602170
- Xu X, Kobayashi S, Chen K, Timm D, Volden P, Huang Y, Gulick J, Yue Z, Robbins J, Epstein, PN, and Liang Q. Diminished Autophagy Limits Cardiac Injury in Mouse models of Type 1 Diabetes. J Biol Chem. 2013 Jun 21;288(25):18077-92. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M113.474650. Epub 2013 May 8. PMID:23658055.
Honors and Awards
- Career Development Award, American Diabetes Association
- Young Investigator Award, National IDeA Symposium of Biomedical Research Excellence
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, American Heart Association Ohio Valley Affiliate
- Trainee Abstract Award, AHA Scientific Sessions
- Predoctoral Fellowship from National Science Foundation and ND EPSCoR
Course Taught at New York Tech
- Facilitation of Doctor Patients Continuum – NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Foundations of Osteopathic Medicine (team-taught at NYITCOM)
- Endocrine System (team-taught at NYITCOM)