The research in my laboratory is directed towards understanding how environmental cues and intrinsic signals are integrated to regulate metabolic processes in health and disease. The Ruan laboratory currently conducts an integrated program in the following directions on tissue adaptation and remodeling upon metabolic stress: (1) protein O-GlcNAcylation in physiology and disease, (2) adipose Biology remodeling and energy balance, (3) intestinal epithelium at the interface between gut microbes and host physiology, and (4) immune homeostasis and its regulation of systemic metabolism. Using an integrative approach, we aim to define the pathological alterations of metabolic communication in diseases including obesity, diabetes, inflammation, and aging. Ultimately, we hope to identify targets and to design therapeutics for these diseases.
