Wilson Liao

Dr. Wilson Liao is Professor and Associate Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. He serves as Director of the UCSF Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center and directs the UCSF Psoriasis Research Initiative and Biobank with over 1,500 subjects. Dr. Liao is also Co-Principal Investigator of the NIH Accelerating Medicines Project Psoriatic Disease Team and a co-founder of two companies: Trex Bio (developing novel therapeutics for inflammatory skin disease) and Solay Health (a telehealth company offering in-home therapy for psoriasis and eczema).

Dr. Liao's educational background includes:

• A.B. in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard University (1998)
• Clinical Research Training Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, National Human Genome Research Institute (2002)
• M.D. from Harvard University School of Medicine (2003)
• Clinical Residency in the Department of Dermatology at University of California San Francisco (2007)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Human Genetics at University of California San Francisco (2009)

Dr. Liao's research focuses on the genetics, immunology, and environmental triggers of inflammatory skin diseases, particularly psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. His laboratory employs advanced technologies including single-cell omics, machine learning, and digital health approaches to advance dermatologic care. Current research projects include high-resolution genetic mapping, functional genomics, elucidation of disease pathways through single-cell transcriptional and immunoprofiling technologies, and development of digital health tools to improve dermatology access. The Liao Lab has made significant contributions to the field, including the discovery of over 30 psoriasis genes through their biobank of more than 1,500 subjects.

Analysis of Dr. Liao's recent publications reveals a strong focus on psoriatic disease research, with particular emphasis on genetic mechanisms, treatment responses, and the intersection of dermatology with other medical specialties. His work spans basic science investigations into disease mechanisms, clinical studies examining treatment efficacy and patient experiences, and translational research developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Notably, his research increasingly incorporates multi-omics approaches, machine learning, and digital health technologies to address complex questions in inflammatory skin diseases.

Dr. Liao has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator on multiple NIH grants:

• Exposome Monitoring for Skin Diseases through Liquid Biopsy Multiomics (NIH R21 AR084041)
• UCSF Dermatology Training Grant (NIH T32AR007175)
• Remote Exposome Monitoring for Skin Diseases through Digital Health Devices (NIH R21AR084041)
• Elucidating Systemic Inflammation in Hidradenitis Suppurativa using Single Cell Omics (NIH 3R01AR078688)
• ELLIPSS: ELucidating the Landscape of Immunoendotypes in Psoriatic Skin and Synovium (NIH UC2AR081029)

Dr. Liao is deeply committed to mentoring, having trained over 100 students and fellows across various career stages. He mentors medical students through 12-month clinical research electives, clinical fellows in research project management, undergraduates in laboratory techniques, and post-doctoral fellows toward independent research careers. His mentoring approach emphasizes both technical skills and career development, with a near 100% match rate for dermatology residency applications among his mentees.

Dr. Liao leads the Liao Lab at UCSF, which focuses on translational research in inflammatory skin diseases. He has developed SkinTracker, a mobile app that enables remote dermatology trials, demonstrating his commitment to innovative approaches in clinical research. His work bridges basic science, clinical practice, and digital health innovation to improve outcomes for patients with psoriasis and related conditions.