Li Ye

Li Ye is a Professor at the Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), and an HHMI Investigator. He holds the Abide-Vividion Chair in Chemistry and Chemical Biology. His research focuses on the integration of brain metabolism and systemic physiology, employing advanced imaging and high-throughput screening technologies. Ye earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University (2012) and B.S. from Tsinghua University (2006). Prior to TSRI, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University/HHMI (2013-2017) and a Visiting Student at MIT/Broad Institute (2007-2008).

Research interests include understanding how the brain adapts to metabolic changes and regulates whole-body physiology. His lab develops tools like HYBRiD tissue clearing, light-sheet imaging, and activity-defined optogenetics. Key projects target metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes) and neurodegenerative diseases by exploring molecular and circuit mechanisms.

• Awards: HHMI Investigator (2024), NIH New Innovator Award (2020), Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Award (2023), and others.
• Grants/Projects: NIH/NIDDK funding, Abide-Vividion collaboration, and CZI support for neurodegenerative disease research.

Publications highlight breakthroughs in neuronal metabolism (e.g., pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphorylation), adipose sensory innervation (PIEZO2 channels), and brain-wide mapping techniques. The Ye Lab actively seeks researchers across all levels to join interdisciplinary efforts in neuroscience and chemical biology.