The Arkansas Integrative Metabolic Research Center will host a Zoom seminar at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 1. Yuanyuan "Kevin" Liu of the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research will discuss his research on using a multidisciplinary approach combining intersectional viral-mediated gene manipulation, in vivo imaging and electrophysiological and single-cell sequencing techniques to (1) Decipher supraspinal circuits in somatosensory perception, and (2) Investigate the underlying mechanisms of top-down control in chronic pain states.

Ultimately, his research will help explain how our mental states directly alter normal and pathological somatosensory perception in different contexts or mood states and will uncover potential targets for treating pain.

Liu obtained his B.S. degree in biological pharmacy in Nanjing University, China. He received his Ph.D. in Ben Szaro's lab at the State University of New York, focusing on the role of an RNA binding protein in axon development and regeneration in Xenopus Laevis. He then completed his postdoc training in Zhigang He's lab at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School. During his postdoc career, he optimized an elegant, multi-step viral-based intersectional targeting tool, which he used to dissect the role of corticospinal neurons in controlling distinct spinal circuits involved in fine motor control and tactile sensation. He joined NIDCR/NCCIH in 2020 and will continue his work to decipher the supraspinal circuits that control somatosensory perception and pain.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Kimberley Fuller at fullerk@uark.edu.