Liu Lab
Inflammation is an important part of immune defense, and is involved in many diseases. The Liu Lab studies inflammation, immunity, sepsis and more using both animals and cells.
During the past 20 years, Dr. Liu’s research has primarily focused on a MAPK phosphatase, MKP-1, in the immune response against bacterial and fungal infections. His lab has made seminal contributions to the understanding of the critical function of MKP-1 in regulating the immune defense, particularly in the prevention of cytokine storm and septic shock. Dr. Liu was the first researcher to suggest that MKP-1 serves as a gate-keeper of the inflammatory response following infections.
Lab Staff
Yusen Liu, PhD
Principal Investigator
Yusen.Liu@NationwideChildrens.org
Dr. Liu’s primary research interest is the regulation of the immune response to infections. Trained originally as a biochemist and molecular biologist, Dr. Liu finds understanding the biochemistry that governs the inflammatory response following infection both fascinating and intellectually rewarding.
Dr. Liu has diverse training across multiple disciplines, over 20 years of research experience in MAPK phosphatases, and a reputation as both a leading expert in immunology and a gifted mentor in training the next generation of physician scientists.
Bridget Bowman
Research Assistant
Bridget.Bowman@NationwideChildrens.org
Bridget works alongside her colleagues to carry out research largely pertaining to immunology and the role of sepsis on the body. Their research has found many genes that can be used as potential target sites for treatments. Bridget’s research interests include studying more of the mechanisms that cause various disease states in order to treat them.
Carli Mager
Research Assistant
Carli.Mager@NationwideChildrens.org
Carli graduated from The Ohio State University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. She works with her colleagues in the Liu lab to research the body’s immune response to infections in order to improve treatment of sepsis. The lab’s research has found numerous genes that may be potential sites for targeted treatments.
Justin Mormol
Research Assistant
Justin.Mormol@NationwideChildrens.org
Justin graduated from the University of Cincinnati in as a Neuroscience major. In the Liu Lab, Justin assists with analyzing the function of the Mkp-1 protein in mice. The application of Mkp-1 is linked to the regulation of the immune system in diseases, cancers, and illnesses. Through researching Mkp-1 regulators, inhibitors and activators, the lab team hopes to discover a more complete pathway depicting how the immune system works. They use electrophoresis, PCR, western blot and other biological techniques.