Research Focus Area: Behavioral and Neurocognitive Health

Edmund Au, Ph.D.
Bon-Mi Gu, Ph.D.
Jason C. Lee, MD, Ph.D. 
Jiali Li, Ph.D.
Liancai Mu, M.D., Ph.D.

Molecular and Epigenetic Neurodegeneration Group

Leadership: Jiali Li, Ph.D., and Bon-Mi Gu, Ph.D.

This group focuses on the molecular, epigenetic, and regulatory mechanisms that drive brain aging and neurodegenerative disease. Its primary areas of emphasis include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease–related neurobiology, and other progressive neurodegenerative disorders.

The group integrates multi-omics technologies (genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics), advanced imaging platforms, and functional assays across rodent, nonhuman primate, and patient-derived systems. Research priorities include:

  • DNA demethylation and chromatin regulation
  • Noncoding RNA–mediated gene control
  • Astrocyte homeostasis and glial dysfunction
  • Neuronal resilience and vulnerability pathways
  • Regulatory networks governing disease progression

This group provides the mechanistic and systems-level foundation of the CDI Neuroscience program, identifying actionable molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.

Neuromuscular and Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Group

Leadership: Liancai Mu, Ph.D.

This group centers on neuromuscular specialization, peripheral nerve regeneration, and translational strategies for functional recovery following nerve injury and neurodegenerative disease.

With over two decades of continuous NIH support, the group investigates:

  • Neuromuscular organization of the upper airway (pharynx, larynx, tongue, soft palate)
  • Swallowing and speech dysfunction in neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease
  • Mechanisms of axonal regeneration and motor endplate reinnervation
  • Innovative surgical repair approaches, including nerve–muscle–endplate grafting (NMEG)
  • Adjunctive regenerative strategies (electrical stimulation, neurotrophic factor delivery)

This group provides the functional and regenerative neuroscience platform within CDI, translating neurobiological insights into strategies that restore motor performance and quality of life.

Clinical and Translational Reconstructive Neuroscience Group

Leadership: Jason C. Lee, M.D.

This group bridges laboratory neuroscience with surgical innovation and patient-centered therapy. It focuses on peripheral nerve regeneration, functional reconstruction, and the interface between neural biology and oncologic disease.

Core areas include:

  • Facial nerve injury and paralysis
  • Microvascular reconstruction and complex head and neck restoration
  • Peripheral nerve–tumor interactions and neuro-oncology
  • Translational application of regenerative strategies in clinical practice

Through the Facial Nerve Center and advanced reconstructive platforms, this group ensures bidirectional translation—bringing laboratory discoveries into surgical practice while informing research priorities through clinical need.

Integrated Neuroscience Core Structure

Together, these three groups establish a vertically integrated Neuroscience program at CDI:

  • Discovery Science: Molecular and epigenetic drivers of neurodegeneration
  • Regenerative Biology: Peripheral nerve repair and neuromuscular recovery
  • Clinical Translation: Functional restoration and neuro-oncologic integration, as part of a clinical partnership with Neurology.

This structure positions CDI to address Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, peripheral nerve injury, and related neurodegenerative disorders through coordinated mechanistic discovery, regenerative innovation, and clinical implementation.