Guangwei Du, PhD

Areas of Interest

Research Interests

The Du laboratory seeks to understand the fundamental principles that govern the organization and function of living cells. We investigate how intracellular organelles communicate, how membrane systems coordinate signaling and metabolism, and how these processes allow cells to maintain homeostasis and adapt to changing physiological conditions. A major focus of our research is understanding how lipid signaling and lipid metabolism regulate cellular behavior, organelle function, and tissue physiology. By addressing these fundamental questions, we aim to gain new insights into the mechanisms that underlie human health and disease.

Using a multidisciplinary approach that combines cell biology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, advanced imaging, and analysis of human patient datasets, we study how organelles such as lysosomes, mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi apparatus function as an integrated network within cells. We are particularly interested in how lipids act not only as structural components of membranes but also as signaling molecules that coordinate intracellular communication, metabolic adaptation, membrane trafficking, and stress responses. We are also committed to developing innovative tools that enable researchers to study organelle biology, lipid metabolism, and intracellular signaling with greater precision and resolution.

A defining feature of our research program is the integration of mechanistic studies in cultured cells, physiologically relevant mouse models, and human data analysis. This approach allows us to uncover molecular mechanisms, determine their physiological significance in vivo, and evaluate their relevance to human disease. By bridging these complementary systems, we seek to understand how disruptions in organelle function, lipid metabolism, and cellular signaling contribute to cancer, aging, metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, and other diseases.

Our long-term goal is to translate fundamental discoveries in cell biology into new therapeutic opportunities. We believe that a deeper understanding of how cells organize their internal architecture, coordinate metabolic activities, and respond to physiological stress will reveal novel strategies for preventing and treating disease. By identifying the cellular pathways that become dysregulated in human disorders, we hope to uncover new therapeutic targets and contribute to the development of more effective treatments that improve human health.

Publications

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