Li Laboratory

The Li Lab is a neuro(glia)biology research lab. We study oligodendrocytes and the critical roles they play in central nervous system (CNS) health and diseases. Currently, the intricacies of their regulation and interactions with neurons remain elusive. Our objective is to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing these processes, which will enhance our comprehension of how the CNS is constructed, functions, and malfunctions.


Research:
Our lab investigates how interactions between neurons and glial cells, particularly oligodendrocyte lineage cells (OLCs), shape brain development and function. OLCs play a key role in forming myelin—a special layer that wraps around nerve fibers, allowing signals to travel quickly and efficiently in the brain. Therefore, OLCs and myelin are crucial for movement, vision, and learning. Disruptions in OLCs and myelination are implicated in a range of disorders, including demyelinating disease (e.g., multiple sclerosis), neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s), and psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia). However, we still don’t fully understand how OLCs and myelin are regulated.

We focus on a unique type of connection between neurons and OLCs—specialized synapses that allow direct communication from neurons to these glial cells, potentially influencing their development and myelin production. To study this, we use zebrafish, a small, transparent fish that allows us to visualize brain cells and activity in real time (see the picture above; a total of 300 OLCs in the entire fish). Using advanced imaging and genetic tools, we investigate how these neuron-OLC synapses function, how they impact OLC behavior, and how they contribute to myelin formation. Our lab is also developing innovative techniques to track synapse formation and cellular signals with high precision in OLCs. By uncovering the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate these neuron-OLC connections, our research aims to bridge basic neuroscience with clinical applications, paving the way for potential therapies to restore myelin in diseases that affect brain function.


Team:
Jiaxing Li, PhD
Assistant Professor

Jiaxing received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, where he trained with Dr. Catherine Collins studying cellular signaling mechanisms that regulate synapse development at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. He completed his postdoctoral training with Dr. Kelly Monk at the Vollum Institute, OHSU, where he transitioned to zebrafish to investigate neuron-OLC synapses. Jiaxing opened his lab at MUSC in January 2025. Outside the lab, he enjoys swimming, hiking, and has recently become an enthusiastic tennis player.


Lab Members:
Lucia Gancedo López
Research Specialist

Lucia, originally from Spain, earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a minor in Biology from Ave Maria University. As an undergraduate, she conducted research on small molecules that inhibit enzymes associated with Alzheimer's disease progression. She joined the Li Lab in January 2025 as a founding member to help establish the lab’s research programs. Outside the lab, Lucia enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, and watching soccer.



Li Laboratory Recent Publications (2020-present):
Li, J., Fiore, F., Monk, K.R., Agarwal, A. Spatiotemporal calcium dynamics orchestrate oligodendrocyte development and myelination. Trends in Neurosciences (2025)

Brennan, J. E., Monk, K.R., Li, J.* A zebrafish gephyrinb mutant distinguishes synaptic and enzymatic functions of Gephyrin. Neural Development (2024) *Corresponding author

Li, J.*, Miramontes, T, Czopka, T, Monk, K.R.* Synaptic input and Ca2+ activity in zebrafish oligodendrocyte precursor cells contribute to myelin sheath formation. Nature Neuroscience (2024) *Co-corresponding author

Featured in Research Briefing: Synapses shape oligodendrocyte precursor cell development and predict myelination location. Nature Neuroscience 

For more information, visit our website: https://jiaxinglilab.org