Dr. Vivian Li is Group Leader of the Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute. The Li lab investigates how Wnt signaling controls stem cells in the healthy gut and during colorectal cancer development. The lab also aims to engineer functional intestinal constructs using patient-derived intestinal organoids.

Machine Learning and iPSC Approach for Drug Discovery – A machine learning approach has been developed to conduct network-based screens in iPSC-derived cells. The method identified a potential drug candidate for heart valve disease.

Mapping the Developing Intestine – Using single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, scientists have mapped the development of the human intestine over time.

Sensory Neurons Promote HSC Mobilization – Scientists have shown that nociceptive nerves in the bone marrow, which are activated by external stimuli like ingestion of spicy foods, are required for hematopoietic stem cell mobilization.

Understanding Intestinal Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Differentiation – Scientists have identified a specific intestinal stem cell niche signaling pathway, the Wnt/planar cell polarity pathway, that regulates intestinal stem cell self-renewal and lineage decisions.

Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Vivian Li

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