Name/Title: Yipeng Sui, PhD, assistant professor of biology, University of Nebraska at Kearney
Hometown: Qingdao (famous for Tsingtao Beer), China
Year you joined the INBRE program: January 2023
Research focus? Human cardiometabolic diseases
Goal of your research? The goal of my current research is to study the molecular mechanisms of Cannabidiol (CBD) on dyslipidemia mediated by Pregnane X receptor (PXR).
Your research will make a difference because? Cannabidiol (CBD) is therapeutically used as an analgesic, anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory and anti-psychotic drug. It was implied that CBD could regulate cholesterol homeostasis in microglial cells and increase lipid peroxidation and free fatty acid levels in rats. However, it is still unclear whether CBD has adverse cardiovascular effects. Our research aims to illuminate the novel role of PXR in mediating the adverse effects of CBD on dyslipidemia and will provide novel mechanistic links explaining how exposure to certain anti-psychotic drugs causes atherogenic effects. These studies will contribute to our understanding of “gene-environment interactions” in predisposing individuals to cardiovascular diseases.
Why is it important to mentor undergraduate students? Our undergraduate students are the next generation of scientists. The undergraduate research experience makes students gain personal insight into their future careers. By working with mentors, students learn the nature of science, explore the unknown real-world problems and develop critical thinking and analytical skills. The mentors provide advice, feedback and the best learning environment for students. Through the teamwork on a mutual research project, students become the colleagues with the mentors and other group members, which could develop into the strong professional bond. It is also a great personal satisfaction when mentors watch students mature intellectually.
Three things people may not know about you.
- I used to play volleyball and badminton and currently serve as a faculty advisor for the UNK Men’s Volleyball Club.
- I like listening to music, singing and watching movies (especially horror movies).
- I also enjoy reading detective fiction, and I am a huge fan of Agatha Christie.