معرفی
Liang Oscar Qiang, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy at Drexel University College of Medicine. He holds a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics from Drexel University (2009), an MS in Anatomy from Nantong University (2003), and an MD from Nantong University (2000). His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, leveraging induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies to model disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP). He has pioneered studies on cellular reprogramming strategies and the role of microtubule dynamics in disease pathogenesis.
Education:
- MD, Nantong University College of Medicine (2000)
- MS in Anatomy, Nantong University College of Medicine (2003)
- PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics, Drexel University (2009)
Research Interests: Dr. Qiang’s work integrates iPSC-derived neuron modeling, microtubule biology, and gene therapy to study neurodegenerative mechanisms. Key areas include:
- Neurological disease modeling using 3D organoids and assembloids
- Microtubule-severing proteins (e.g., spastin, tau) in axonal health
- Therapeutic strategies for Gulf War Illness and HSP
- Cellular reprogramming for spinal cord injury repair
Publications: His recent work challenges conventional tau-stabilizing therapies for Alzheimer’s and identifies novel targets for HSP treatment. Major themes include microtubule dynamics, gene therapy, and organoid-based disease modeling.
Awards/Honors:
- 2021: Pennsylvania Department of Health Grant for SPG4-HSP Research
- 2019: Spastic Paraplegia Foundation Grant
- 2009: Drexel University Bondi Graduation Award
- 2004: Drexel University First Place in Annual Research Day
Advising & Grants: Dr. Qiang mentors PhD students and oversees grants totaling over $5M, including NIH-funded studies on tauopathies and industry collaborations. His lab collaborates with Angriocrine Bioscience and the BBRAIN consortium.
Labs/Teams: The Qiang Lab develops cutting-edge models of neurodegeneration and regenerative therapies, employing CRISPR/Cas9, single-cell RNAseq, and in vivo mouse studies. Key projects include vascularized brain organoids and AAV-based HSP gene therapy.
