Mitochondria in Health and Disease
Decoding mechanisms of neurodegeneration.
Developing therapies that restore mitochondrial health
The Qi laboratory investigates how mitochondrial dysfunction drives neurodegeneration and translates mechanistic discoveries into new therapeutic strategies.
From fundamental mechanisms to therapeutic discovery. Our research focuses on four interconnected themes.
Mitochondrial Dynamics &
Quality Control
How mitochondrial structure, dynamics and quality control maintain brain health.
Mitochondrial Proteostasis & Organelle Homeostasis
How mitochondrial proteins, cristae integrity and organelle communication are disrupted in disease.
Metabolism & Neuroimmune Regulation
How mitochondrial dysfunction reshapes metabolism and neuron–glia interactions to drive disease progression
Therapeutic Discovery
- Mitochondrial Medicine
Developing targeted therapeutics that restore mitochondrial function and combat neurodegeneration.
Highlighted findings that advance our understanding of mitochondrial biology and neurodegeneration
A small-molecule stabilizer of the calpastatin-calpain-2 complex restores mitochondrial function and mitigates neurodegeneration
Science Advances, 2026
Disrupting α-Synuclein-ClpP interaction restores mitochondrial function and attenuates neuropathology in Parkinson's disease models
Mol. Neurodegeneration, 2025
ATAD3A oligomerization promotes neuropathology and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease models
Nature Communications, 2022
Oligodendroglial glycolytic stress triggers inflammasome activation and neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease
Science Advances, 2020
A collaborative research team advancing mitochondrial research
Collaborative
We value teamwork and open exchange of ideas
Innovative
We pursue bold questions and creative solutions
Impactful
We strive to make a difference for patients and families
Updates from our lab and community.
Research support
Sep 2026- ​​​
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Qi lab has been awarded a new NIH R01 grant to study mitochondrial RNA metabolism in Parkinson's disease. ​
Trainee Development
June 2026- ​
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Congratulations to Kyle on renewing his T32 Neurodegeneration Training Grant !​
Research Publications
March 2026-
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Congratulations to Cassandra and Rihua for their paper accepted by Acta Neuropathologica !
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Feb 2026-
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Congratulations to Di for his papers accepted by Science Advances and Molecular Neurodegeneration !