Lab Leader:Qing Li

Lab Name:Laboratory for Epigenetic Regulation of Germ Cells and Early Embryos

Lab Info:Our laboratory focuses on the molecular regulation of primordial germ cell (PGC) development and early embryogenesis, two tightly coupled processes that underpin reproductive health and the developmental origins of disease. By dissecting the dynamic epigenetic and transcriptional programs governing cell fate decisions during this critical window, our research aims to uncover the genetic basis of infertility, pregnancy failure, and congenital disorders. To address these challenges, we have established a series of innovative developmental genetics platforms, including semi-cloning-mediated in vivo genetic screening, multiplex gene editing in zygotes, and embryonic stem cell-based high-contribution chimera systems. These approaches enable systematic interrogation of multi-gene and multi-locus functions beyond traditional single-gene studies. Using these technologies, we have identified key regulatory mechanisms in germ cell and embryonic development, including the essential roles of DND1 and TRIM37 in PGC development, FXR1-mediated phase separation in spermatogenesis, and DNMT-dependent epigenetic regulation in early embryos and genomic imprinting. In parallel, we have elucidated disease mechanisms such as GJB2-associated hereditary deafness, linking developmental dysregulation to human genetic disorders. Collectively, our work provides both mechanistic insights and potential therapeutic targets for reproductive medicine and developmental diseases.

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