Medical College of Wisconsin
Medical College of Wisconsin Medical College of Wisconsin
Research Lab Bench
Physiology

Welcome to the Chun Liu Lab

The iPSC-Perturbation Lab is focused on using stem cell research and high-throughput CRISPR screen to better understand the mechanisms of heart disease and develop new treatments. At the core of our lab's work are Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) and CRISPR screening technology. Using iPSCs, we're creating patient-specific models to delve deep into the mysteries of the heart. And with the high-throughput of CRISPR screening, we're identifying novel drug targets faster than ever before.
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Our Mission

To reprogram cells to repair damaged heart tissue or even prevent cardiovascular diseases before they strike. Read about our current research:
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Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are similar to the cells in an early-stage embryo, having the potential to become any cell type in the body. We create iPSCs by taking patient blood cells and "reprogramming" them using specific genes. These reprogrammed cells can then be guided to differentiate into specific heart cells, such as muscle cells for pumping or electrical cells for rhythm control. This process mimics the natural development in an embryo. Beyond the heart, iPSCs can also differentiate into other types of cells like those in the brain or liver. This technology is crucial for studying diseases and developing new treatments.

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Disease Modeling

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are used to model heart diseases by turning them into heart tissue that mimics patient-specific conditions. CRISPR technology allows for targeted genetic edits in these iPSCs to study the role of specific genes in heart diseases. After editing, the iPSCs are differentiated into heart cells to observe the effects. This method is invaluable for understanding disease mechanisms and testing new treatments. In the emerging field of cardio-oncology, iPSCs also help us understand how cancer drugs impact heart health, aiming to balance effective cancer treatment with minimized cardiac risks.

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CRISPRi/a Screening

CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) and CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) are high-throughput screening methods that enable large-scale exploration of gene function. Utilizing libraries of single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs), these techniques can target a vast number of genes simultaneously. CRISPRi silences genes, while CRISPRa activates them, without cutting the DNA. The large-scale nature of these screens allows us to rapidly identify key genes involved in specific biological processes or diseases. By observing the effects in cells, such as growth patterns or response to drugs, we can pinpoint critical genes, thereby accelerating the pace of research and the discovery of potential new treatments.

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Perturb-seq in Organoid

In the study of heart disease, heart organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are game-changers. These 3D mini-heart models closely mimic the complexity of the human heart, making them invaluable for research. When combined with Perturb-seq, a technique that merges CRISPR gene editing with single-cell RNA sequencing, we can map the transcriptional effects of genetic perturbations at single-cell resolution. Combining CRISPR-based genetic screening with information-rich, single-cell RNA-sequencing phenotypes allows for an exceptionally detailed understanding of disease mechanisms and revolutionize the way to identify druggable targets.

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Population-in-a-Dish

The "population-in-a-dish" approach uses a large collection of iPSC lines derived from a diverse group of patients to study diseases and drug effects at a population level. Each patient-derived iPSC line can be differentiated into relevant cell types, such as heart cells for studying cardiovascular diseases. By exposing these cells to drugs or other treatments, we can assess a range of responses across different genetic backgrounds. This enables the identification of commonalities and differences in how genes contribute to disease mechanisms and treatment outcomes. The method mimics population-level studies but with the added benefit of controlled, in vitro conditions, significantly advancing personalized medicine.

Chun Liu Lab Image Gallery

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Cardiac organoid derived from human iPSCs, mimicking a “mini human heart.”

Cardiac organoid derived from human iPSCs, mimicking a “mini human heart.”

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Functional vascular endothelial cells differentiated from human iPSCs

Functional vascular endothelial cells differentiated from human iPSCs

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Vascular smooth muscle cells differentiated from human iPSCs

Vascular smooth muscle cells differentiated from human iPSCs

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Cardiac sarcomere structure in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes

Cardiac sarcomere structure in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes

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Recent Publications

Publications of Chun Liu PhD from the Faculty Collaboration Database

News from the Chun Liu Lab

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Dr. Liu is AHA BCVS Outstanding Early Career Faculty Finalist
Congrats for Dr. Liu got selected as the finalist, you can listen to our work on Discover CircRes
MCW Cancer Center Award
Thank you MCW Cancer Center for supporting our lab's Cardio-oncology research by one year 50K award!
Second Century Early Faculty Independence Award
Thanks AHA for supporting Dr. Liu's cardio-oncology CRISPR screen research (Second Century Early Faculty Independence Award 2023-2026)!

Getting Involved

Postdocs and Visiting Scholars

We are always looking for talented postdoc and scholars to join our innovative projects. If you're interested in iPSC, CRISPR screening, and cardiovascular diseases, contact Dr. Liu directly for details at chunliu@mcw.edu

PhD Students

Prospective PhD students interested in joining my research group should apply directly to the Physiology PhD program or contact me before your application. The Department at MCW is committed to supporting all new PhD students with five years of funding through combinations of grants, university fellowships, and teaching assistantships.

Why join our iPSC-Perturbation lab?

The rapid advancements in iPSC stem cell technology and CRISPR technology have thrust us into an era where science fiction becomes reality, offering tantalizing possibilities like eradicating genetic diseases, enhancing human capabilities, and potentially extending lifespan. "Designing babies" using pluripotent stem cells and CRISPR? The concept of "modified human" could easily slide from medically justifiable edits to "designer baby", it is "feasible" today and become a rising question needs regulation and oversight. But in our lab, we are using iPSC and CRISPR tools to revolutionize medicine by curing intractable diseases and possibly even addressing the age-old problem in heart attack.

Our Team

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Chun Liu, PhD

Assistant Professor

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Wenjing Dong, PhD

Postdoctoral Researcher

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Jake R. Minx, BS

Research Technologist

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Coneria Nansubuga

Graduate Student

Contact Us

The iPSC-Perturbation Lab is part of the Department of Physiology and Medicine, Cardiovascular Center and Cancer Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin. To contact the lab, please email Chun Liu directly.

Chun Liu Laboratory
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
MEB 4720
Milwaukee, WI 53226
chunliu@mcw.edu
Chun Liu Lab Google map location