معرفی
Dr. Wei Li is a Professor of Dermatology and Director of the MSS Graduate Program at the University of Southern California. His research focuses on wound healing mechanisms, tumor-secreted molecules as drug targets for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and signal transduction pathways governing cell motility. Experimental models include primary human skin cells, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models for TNBC, and pig models for wound healing. Dr. Li's work bridges basic science and translational medicine, with emphasis on identifying therapeutic targets and developing novel treatments.
- Education: PhD in Biomedical Sciences
His research interests include the role of heat shock proteins (e.g., Hsp90α) in wound healing, cancer metastasis, and hypoxia response. He investigates how extracellular Hsp90 mediates tumor-stromal communication and promotes cell migration. Recent findings highlight Hsp90α's non-chaperone functions in tissue repair and tumorigenesis.
Publications emphasize Hsp90 biology, with contributions to understanding its signaling pathways, therapeutic potential, and clinical applications. Key themes include drug target validation, exosome-mediated communication, and hypoxia-driven cellular adaptations.
- Awards: USC Stevens Center for Innovation Technology Commercialization Award (2017, 2018), Elected Member of the National Academy of Inventors (2017–present).
Dr. Li advises graduate students in the Biomedical and Biological Sciences programs. His lab collaborates on projects involving molecular mechanisms of wound healing, cancer biology, and biomaterials for tissue engineering.
