معرفی
Dr. Yutao Liu is a Professor at Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia where he holds appointments in the Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, The Graduate School, and the Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine. He also serves as Director of the CBA Graduate Program and Basic Science Co-Director of the James & Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute.
Education:
- MD, Beijing Medical University, Beijing, China (1990-1995)
- MS, Biology/Biological Sciences, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO (1999-2001)
- PhD, Genome Sciences/Genomics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (2001-2006)
- Postdoctoral Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC (2006-2010)
Dr. Liu is a human geneticist specializing in the genetic etiology of glaucoma and keratoconus. His research laboratory employs high-throughput sequencing, genotyping, and integrative genomic technologies to investigate age-related vision disorders. The lab has extensive experience in human genetics, bioinformatics, and functional genomics using human samples, cell culture, and mouse models. Current research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of keratoconus and glaucoma, with particular interest in exosomes and their miRNA/protein contents in aging-related disorders.
Dr. Liu's publication record demonstrates consistent productivity in ocular genetics, with recent work emphasizing exosome research in vision disorders. His publications span high-impact journals including Nature Genetics, PLoS Genetics, AJHG, PNAS, HMG, IOVS, EER, and Molecular Vision. Collaborative efforts extend to researchers across California, Iowa, Illinois, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Duke University.
Scientific Awards:
- Experimental Eye Research Top Cited Article (2008-2010)
- Thomas R. Lee Award for National Glaucoma Research (2010-2013)
- Annual Educator Award from Duke University (2013)
- Basic Science Research Distinguished Faculty Award (2021)
- ARVO Fellow (Silver, 2022; Gold, 2024)
- Distinguished Service Award from The Graduate School (2023)
Dr. Liu serves as Director of the CBA Graduate Program and has mentored numerous graduate students to completion of their PhDs with distinction. His research has been supported by multiple organizations including the National Eye Institute at NIH, The Glaucoma Foundation, the Glaucoma Research Foundation, BrightFocus Foundation, and Research to Prevent Blindness. As a Co-Investigator of the NEIGHBORHOOD glaucoma genetics consortium, he has contributed to identifying several glaucoma-associated genes.
The Liu laboratory maintains active collaborations and employs cutting-edge technologies including whole exome/genome sequencing, RNA-Seq, DNA genotyping, PCR techniques, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The team is highly collaborative and trainee-friendly, with a focus on translational research to improve understanding and treatment of vision disorders.
