Xin Qi, PhD

Mitochondrial Biology, Neurodegeneration, and Therapeutic Discovery

Dr. Qi’s research program seeks to understand how mitochondrial dysfunction drives neurodegeneration and to translate fundamental mechanistic discoveries into new therapeutic strategies. Her laboratory focuses on four interconnected areas: mitochondrial dynamics and quality control; mitochondrial proteostasis and organelle homeostasis; metabolism and neuroimmune regulation; and therapeutic discovery. Together, these studies define how alterations in mitochondrial structure, function, metabolism, and signaling contribute to neuronal vulnerability and disease progression.

A major focus of the laboratory is understanding how mitochondrial quality-control pathways and protein homeostasis maintain neuronal health and how their disruption contributes to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, ALS, and related neurodegenerative disorders. The laboratory investigates mitochondrial dynamics, proteostasis, cristae architecture, organelle communication, cellular metabolism, and mitochondrial stress responses. A complementary area of research examines how mitochondrial dysfunction reshapes cellular metabolism and neuron–glia interactions, thereby linking metabolic dysregulation and neuroimmune responses to disease progression.

The laboratory integrates molecular and cellular biology with functional proteomics, metabolomics, patient-derived iPSC models, and disease-relevant animal models to identify mechanisms that drive neurodegeneration. These multidisciplinary approaches allow the laboratory to move from fundamental mitochondrial biology to disease mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and preclinical intervention.

A central translational goal of the laboratory is the development of “mitochondrial medicine”—therapeutic approaches designed to correct disease-driving mitochondrial abnormalities. Building on mechanistic discoveries, the Qi laboratory develops therapeutic peptides and small molecules that target pathological protein interactions and mitochondrial pathways, restore mitochondrial homeostasis, and protect vulnerable neurons. By bridging fundamental discovery with therapeutic development, the laboratory aims to advance new disease-modifying strategies for neurodegenerative disorders.