Dr. Lian-Wang Guo | University of Virginia | United States
The Guo Lab at the University of Virginia investigates the fundamental and translational biology of vascular wall remodeling and retinal degeneration, with a central focus on how epigenetic mechanisms drive pathological cell-state transitions. Specifically, the group studies the roles of histone-code “readers” and “writers” in orchestrating chromatin dynamics that contribute to disease progression. By dissecting how these epigenetic regulators influence cellular phenotypes, the lab seeks to identify novel therapeutic targets capable of preventing or reversing harmful remodeling processes. A major emphasis of the lab’s work is bridging mechanistic discoveries with translational innovation. Their research pipeline spans from uncovering basic molecular dysfunctions to engineering practical therapeutic interventions. For instance, the Guo Lab investigates the epigenetic underpinnings of vascular wall thickening and stenosis following surgical procedures such as vein grafting and angioplasty. These studies illuminate how chromatin dysregulation contributes to post-surgical complications and guides the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. In parallel, the lab collaborates with surgeons and bioengineers to design precision delivery systems for chromatin-modulating “epi-drugs.” One pioneering approach involves the creation of bio-adhesive nanoparticles engineered to be “painted” directly onto vein grafts, aiming to preserve long-term graft patency. Another strategy focuses on combating restenosis after angioplasty by developing injectable biomembrane-camouflaged carriers capable of homing in on vascular lesions. These cutting-edge delivery systems enhance therapeutic specificity and minimize off-target effects, accelerating the translation of epigenetic therapies into clinically viable solutions. The lab’s innovative research direction has resulted in multiple approved and pending patents, demonstrating its impact at both scientific and translational fronts. Ultimately, the Guo Lab strives to solve critical medical challenges by targeting dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms and ensuring a seamless continuum from mechanistic discovery to therapeutic application.
Featured Publications
Klionsky, D. J., Abdel-Aziz, A. K., Abdelfatah, S., Abdellatif, M., Abdoli, A., Abel, S., … (2021). Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition). Autophagy, 17(1), 1–382.
Kumar, A., D’Souza, S. S., Moskvin, O. V., Toh, H., Wang, B., Zhang, J., Swanson, S., … (2017). Specification and diversification of pericytes and smooth muscle cells from mesenchymoangioblasts. Cell Reports, 19(9), 1902–1916.
Yu, Q., Wang, B., Chen, Z., Urabe, G., Glover, M. S., Shi, X., Guo, L.-W., Kent, K. C., & Li, L. (2017). Electron-transfer/higher-energy collision dissociation (EThcD)-enabled intact glycopeptide/glycoproteome characterization. Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, 28(9), 1751–1764.
Borck, P. C., Guo, L.-W., & Plutzky, J. (2020). BET epigenetic reader proteins in cardiovascular transcriptional programs. Circulation Research, 126(9), 1190–1208.
Goel, S. A., Guo, L.-W., Liu, B., & Kent, K. C. (2012). Mechanisms of post-intervention arterial remodelling. Cardiovascular Research, 96(3), 363–371.
Zent, J., & Guo, L.-W. (2018). Signaling mechanisms of myofibroblastic activation: Outside-in and inside-out. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry, 49(3), 848–868.
DiRenzo, D. M., Chaudhary, M. A., Shi, X., Franco, S. R., Zent, J., Wang, K., Guo, L.-W., … (2016). A crosstalk between TGF-β/Smad3 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways promotes vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Cellular Signalling, 28(5), 498–505.