PI: Dr. Tian Liu

Tian Liu. PhD

About Me:

I am an Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University. My research focuses on elucidating the roles of mitochondrial function in human aging-related diseases and health using genetic and multi-omics (i.e., transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) approaches. By investigating mitochondrial dynamics, including fusion and fission, the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, and mitochondria-related autophagy, we examine how changes in mitochondrial function impact cellular protein homeostasis and nuclear-mitochondrial interactions. These changes ultimately affect various biological processes, such as cellular bioenergetics, immune response, genomic stability, and programmed cell death. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses unbiased multi-omics, including proteomics, transcriptomics, and genomics, as well as cellular and molecular biology techniques, advanced imaging, nucleotide (antagoNATs) and viral vector-based gene therapy (AAV), patient fibroblast-converted neurons cultures, and animal models, we aim to uncover the fundamental mechanisms by which mitochondrial dysfunction disrupts cellular metabolism and contributes to human diseases and health.

Academic Positions

2014-2018        Postdoctoral scholar, University of South Florida, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s, Institute, Tampa, FL

2018-2021        Assistant Professor, Molecular Medicine, USF Health College of Medicine, Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, Tampa, FL

2018-2021        Director of Microscopy Core, Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, Tampa, FL

2021-Present     Assistant Professor, Pathology, Case Western Reserve University

Education

2004-2008      Jiangsu Ocean University, China ,B.S., Marine Science

2008-2010     Ajou University, South Korea, M.S., Neurosciences

2010-2014     Seoul National University, South Korea, Ph.D., Neurosciences

2022-2024     Case Western Reserve University, United States, M.S., Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Honors

2008               Outstanding Graduate School Student Scholarship at Ajou University

2009                Outstanding graduate school student scholarship at Ajou University

2010                Ajou University Brain Conference best poster presentation

2010                External scholarship for Seoul National University New Outstanding Student

2010-2012     Superior academic performance scholarship in Seoul National University

2013               Oral Presentation Winner in Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Brain workshop

2022-2024     Cleveland ADRC Research Education Component Scholarship

2024                2024 CWRU Academic Excellence for the Master’s in Biostatistics