Yu Liu

Yu Liu, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the Temple University School of Medicine's Department of Pharmacology and a member of the Cancer Epigenetics Institute. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of genome folding and its implications in cancer, combining biochemical, molecular, and computational approaches. His lab investigates how cancer-associated mutations impact genome architecture, the interplay between genome folding and epigenetic modifications, and the clinical relevance of 3D genome dynamics in cancer progression.

• Education:
  • PhD in Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto (2014)
  • MSc in Biochemistry, Queen’s University (2005)
  • Bachelor’s in Biology, Xiamen University (2000)

Dr. Liu’s research interests include chromatin organization, cohesin dynamics, and epigenetic regulation in cancer. His work has led to significant insights into how genome architecture influences cancer development, particularly through studies of CTCF, cohesin, and topological constraints. He has received an NIH Grant to study genetic links to disease, furthering his exploration of genome folding mechanisms.

His publications highlight advancements in understanding 3D genome structure using cutting-edge genomic and computational tools. Key contributions include revealing the interplay between cohesin and topoisomerase II in genome organization and identifying novel roles of epigenetic modifiers in cancer epigenetics.

• Awards:
  • NIH Grant for Genetic Links to Disease Research

Dr. Liu’s lab, the Liu Lab, collaborates extensively with other institutions, such as the Fox Chase Cancer Center, to advance translational research in cancer epigenetics. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, aiming to develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on genome architecture principles.