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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 mechanism to therapeutic discovery. Our Research focuses on four interconnected themes.  

Mitochondrial Dynamics &
Quality Control


 

How mitochondrial structure, dynamics and quality control maintain brain health.

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Mitochondrial Proteostasis & Organelle Homeostasis 
 

How mitochondrial proteins, cristae integrity and organelle communication are disrupted in disease. 

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Metabolism, Neuro-inflammation & Neurodegeneration

 

How metabolic dysfunction and neuron-glia interactions contribute to disease progression.

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Therapeutic Discovery

 

Developing biologics and small-molecule therapeutics to restore mitochodnrial function and combat neurodegeneration 

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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

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Disrupting α-Synuclein-ClpP interaction restores mitochondrial function and attenuates neuropathology in Parkinson's disease models

Mol. Neurodegeneration, 2025                  

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ATAD3A oligomerization promotes neuropathology and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease models

Nature Communications, 2022

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Oligodendroglial glycolytic stress triggers inflammasome activation and neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease

Science Advances, 2020

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A collaborative research team advancing mitochondrial research

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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

We are always looking for motivated and creative individuals to join our team. Explore opportunities for graduate students, postdoc, research staff, and motivated undergraduates. 

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Updates from our lab and community. 

Sep 2026- ​​​

Qi lab awarded new NIH grant to study mitochondrial RNA metabolism in alpha-synuclein-mediated Parkinson's disease. 

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April 2026- ​

Cassandra has been named the 2026 Doctoral Excellence Award recipient for the department by the School of Medicine!  

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March 2026-

Congratulations to Cassandra and Rihua for their paper accepted by Acta Neuropathologica

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Feb 2026-

Congratulations to Di for his papers accepted by Science Advances and Molecular Neurodegeneration

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