Lixin Liu

Dr. Lixin Liu serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine. Current affiliations include the Cardiovascular Research Group and professional societies: American Association of Immunologists, Society of Leukocyte Biology, and Canadian Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

Academic credentials:

• B.M.Sc.(MD) from Soochow University School of Medicine, China
• M.M.Sc. from Soochow University School of Medicine, China
• Ph.D. from Uppsala University, Sweden

Research centers on intracellular signaling in leukocyte recruitment and transendothelial migration during inflammation. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms of leukocyte-endothelial interactions, focusing on proteins like LSP1, MSK1, and eNOS in neutrophil trafficking, vascular permeability, and neuroinflammation. Current projects examine methylglyoxal-induced redox signaling in diabetic complications and CNS inflammation.

Recent publications (2013-2018) demonstrate consistent output in vascular immunology, with emphasis on signaling pathways in leukocyte recruitment. Work appears in Journal of Leukocyte Biology, Journal of Neuroinflammation, and American Journal of Physiology, showing progression from basic mechanisms to disease applications including neuroinflammation and metabolic disorders.

Current advising includes graduate students Musstafa Smeir (LSP1-eNOS interactions), Li Hao (Bam32/TAPP in neutrophil recruitment), and undergraduate Hammad Kazani (LSP1 in ROS production). Previous trainees include Xi Lei, Najia Xu, Yang Su, and Syed M. Qadri who contributed to key publications.

Research is conducted through the Cardiovascular Research Group, utilizing intravital microscopy and molecular techniques to study inflammatory responses in real-time vascular models.