Yunmeng Liu

Yunmeng Liu, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine. Her research focuses on metabolic syndromes, particularly diabetes-linked cardiovascular complications and hypertension. She leads studies on immune cell contributions to hypertension pathogenesis using advanced techniques like radio-biotelemetry and 3D microscopy. Liu’s work integrates immunology, endocrinology, and molecular biology to develop therapeutic strategies.

Education & Training:

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, New York Medical College (2013)
• Postdoctoral Training at UAMS Rusch Laboratory (2019)

Research Interests: Exploring how diabetes exacerbates cardiovascular disease and hypertension through metabolic reprogramming. Current projects investigate T cell interactions in kidney and heart tissues, immune pathways (e.g., IFNγ-PDL1), and cellular mechanisms driving salt-sensitive hypertension. Collaborations span immunology and physiology fields.

Grants:

• Sturgis Foundation Grant (2024–2024): $50K, PI for 'Diabetes promotes hypertension via metabolic reprogramming'
• NIH R01 HL146713 (2024–2029): Major contributor to 'T cell homing to the kidney'

Labs/Teams: Leads a multidisciplinary lab using cutting-edge tools like Seahorse assays and multi-color flow cytometry. Collaborates with the Rusch laboratory and immunology experts at UAMS.