PI
Research Group
Guoliang Chai
guoliang.chai(at)cimrbj.ac.cn
  Assistant Investigator
B.S. in Biological Science, Tsinghua University, China
M.S. in Biology, Tsinghua University, China
Ph.D. in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium
Work Experience
2024.2-Present
Assistant Investigator, Chinese Institutes for Medical Research, Beijing, China
2021.6-Present
Professor and Principal Investigator, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, China
2015.7-2021.5
Postdoc Scholar, University of California, San Diego, USA
Research Direction

The Chai laboratory at CIMR focuses on the forefront of genetic diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. Our work, through state-of-the-art research and partnerships, aims to decode the genetic bases of rare and complex neurological diseases. Our objectives also include developing innovative therapeutic approaches and strategies, encompassing neuroimmune and metabolic interventions, alongside advanced cell and gene therapies. Our mission extends beyond the laboratory to translate our scientific discoveries into practical applications for clinical diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, aiming to bridge the gap between research breakthroughs and tangible patient benefits.

Major Research Projects

1. Deciphering the Genetic and Pathogenic Landscape of Neurological Diseases

Our research utilized whole-genome sequencing, familial genetics, and GWAS to unearth novel pathogenic genes and risk variants linked to rare and complex nervous system diseases. Employing an arsenal of gene editing tools, mouse models, stem cells, and human brain organoids, alongside multi-omics and state-of-the-art methodologies, we aim to reveal the functions and pathological mechanisms of key genetic players in these conditions.

2. Unraveling Neuroimmune Interactions and Inflammatory Processes in Neurological Conditions

With a focus on neuroimmune dysregulation and inflammation in neurological disorders, our approach integrates the use of genetically engineered mice tools, pioneering technologies, and patient-derived samples. This strategy enables us to dissect the intricate involvement of glial cells, cerebral lymphatic cells, and peripheral immune cells in the immune response, inflammation, and neural damage and repair processes in afflictions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases.

3. Innovating Treatment Approaches for Neurological Challenges

Our commitment to combating both rare and common neurological disorders drives us to pioneer novel therapeutic avenues and technologies. Our work is centered on the development of targeted small-molecule drugs/metabolites, monoclonal antibodies, and advanced cell and gene therapies specifically designed to address the unique challenges of the central nervous system.

Major Contributions
1. Identifying and naming a multisystem developmental disorder caused by insufficient secretion of Wnt proteins (Zaki Syndrome) and proposed potential intervention methods (N Eng J Med, 2021).
2. Revealing that mutations in genes encoding different components of the RNA spliceosome can lead to various types of neurological diseases (Neuron, 2021; Brain, 2022).
3. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms by which vitamin D deficiency leads to poorer stroke outcomes (J. Neuroinflammation, 2023).
4. Discovery of the functions and mechanisms of genes associated with the planar cell polarity pathway in controlling the development of peripheral nerve axons (Nat Neurosci, 2014).
Representative Publications     *:Co-first author; #:Co-corresponding author
Representative Publications *:Co-first author; #:Co-corresponding author
Cui P, Lu W, Wang J, Wang F, Zhang X, Hou X, Xu F, Liang Y, Chai G#, Hao J#. Microglia/macrophages require vitamin D signaling to restrain neuroinflammation and brain injury in a murine ischemic stroke model. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 2023, 20: 63. DOI: 1186/s12974-023-02705-0
Von Elsner L*, Chai G*, Schneeberger PE*, Harms FL, Casar C, Qi M, et al., Kutsche K. Biallelic FRA10AC1 variants cause a neurodevelopmental disorder with growth retardation. Brain, 2022, 145: 1551-1563. DOI: 1093/brain/awab403
Chai G, Szenker-Ravi E, Chung C, Li Z, Wang L, Khatoo M, et al., Gleeson JG. A Human Pleiotropic Multiorgan Condition Caused by Deficient Wnt Secretion. The New England Journal of Medicine, 2021a, 385: 1292-1301. DOI: 1056/NEJMoa2033911
Chai G*, Webb A*, Li C, Antaki D, Lee S, Breuss MW, et al., Gleeson JG. Mutations in Spliceosomal Genes PPIL1 and PRP17 Cause Neurodegenerative Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia with Microcephaly. Neuron, 2021b, 109: 241-256 e249. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.10.035
Breuss MW, Yang X, Schlachetzki JCM, Antaki D, Lana AJ, Xu X, Chung C, Chai G, et al., Gleeson JG. Somatic mosaicism reveals clonal distributions of neocortical development. Nature, 2022, 604: 689-696. DOI: 1038/s41586-022-04602-7
Yang X, Breuss MW, Xu X, Antaki D, James KN, Stanley V, Ball LL, George RD, Wirth SA, Cao B, Nguyen A, McEvoy-Venneri J, Chai G, et al., Gleeson JG. Developmental and temporal characteristics of clonal sperm mosaicism.Cell, 2021, 184: 4772-4783 e4715. DOI: 1016/j.cell.2021.07.024
Chai G, Gleeson JG. A newly discovered mechanism driving neuronal mutations in Alzheimer's disease. Nature, 2018, 563: 631-632. DOI: 1038/d41586-018-07334-9
Li H, Saucedo-Cuevas L, Regla-Nava JA, Chai G, Sheets N, Tang W, et al., Gleeson JG. Zika Virus Infects Neural Progenitors in the Adult Mouse Brain and Alters Proliferation. Cell Stem Cell, 2016, 19: 593-598. DOI: 1016/j.stem.2016.08.005
Wang W, Jossin Y, Chai G, Lien WH, Tissir F, Goffinet AM. Feedback regulation of apical progenitor fate by immature neurons through Wnt7-Celsr3-Fzd3 signalling. Nature Communications, 2016, 7: 10936. DOI: 1038/ncomms10936
Chai G, Zhou L, Manto M, Helmbacher F, Clotman F, Goffinet AM, Tissir F. Celsr3 is required in motor neurons to steer their axons in the hindlimb. Nature Neuroscience, 2014, 17: 1171-1179. DOI: 1038/nn.3784
Full List of Publications Can Be Found here