معرفی
Dr. Xiaoqing Tang is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Michigan Technological University (MTU) and serves as the Graduate Program Director for the Biological Sciences program. He holds a PhD from the Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel, 2003). His research focuses on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in pancreatic beta-cell function and diabetes pathogenesis, with a particular emphasis on miRNA regulation of insulin production/secretion and diabetes biomarker discovery. He has pioneered high-throughput miRNA array technologies and developed novel miRNA-based therapies for diabetes.
Dr. Tang's lab investigates miRNA-mediated control of beta-cell identity, glucose responsiveness, and diabetic complications. Key areas include miRNA's role in beta-cell dedifferentiation, ALDH1A3 targeting, and MAP4K4 regulation. His work integrates molecular biology, bioengineering (e.g., composite bioadhesives), and systems biology approaches. He teaches advanced courses in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and biochemistry laboratory techniques.
Notable contributions include identifying miR-30d and miR-483 as critical regulators of beta-cell function, discovering blueberry's protective effects on beta-cells in obesity models, and developing STTM (short tandem target mimic) technology for miRNA inhibition. Current efforts focus on translating miRNA discoveries into diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for diabetes.
Dr. Tang actively mentors graduate students through MTU's Accelerated MS Program and collaborates on projects involving miRNA profiling in diabetic mouse models. His research has been published in journals like Non-Coding RNA, Biophysical Journal, and Endocrinology, with over 60 peer-reviewed articles to date.
