Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences

Professional Experience

• Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Professor; 2015-present
• Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago, IL, USA; Associate Professor; 2007-2015
• Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Assistant Professor; 2001-2007
• Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Instructor; 1999-2001

Lab & Research Interest

1. Our laboratory focuses on “non-canonical functions of signaling molecules in cellular metabolism and disease”, with particular emphasis on Src and STAT family proteins in mitochondria. We were among the pioneering groups to demonstrate oncogene-mediated activation of STAT signaling, providing a foundation for understanding persistent signaling in cancer.
2. Current research centers on “mitochondrial regulation of metabolism, lipid homeostasis, and insulin resistance”, integrating cross-talk among immune cells, adipose tissue, and liver. We have demonstrated that STAT5 can localize to mitochondria and directly regulate mitochondrial gene expression, thereby influencing cellular respiration and cancer drug resistance, highlighting functional switching of signaling proteins across cellular compartments.
3. In the field of metabolic diseases, through interschool collaboration, our laboratory employs genetically engineered mouse models, bone marrow transplantation, and in vitro systems to dissect the roles of CCL5/CCR5 signaling in brown adipose tissue, liver metabolism, and immunometabolic regulation. Through international collaboration, we also utilize advanced in vivo metabolic phenotyping platforms to assess whole-body energy metabolism in conscious and unrestrained mice.
4. The laboratory is characterized by “strong mechanistic research, integrative animal models, and cross-disciplinary collaborations” with full utilization of the multi-omics platform on campus.

Publications

Publication 

1. Liao TC, Huang JP, Tsai YT, Shih WC, Juan CC, Hsieh PS, Hung LM, and Yu CL.  October 2022.  Granulocytic MDSC with deficient CCR5 alleviates lipogenesis and inflammation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.  Int. J. Mol. Sci. 23(21):13048.

2. Chan PC, Hung LM, Huang JP, Day YJ, Yu CL, Kuo FC, Lu CH, Tian YF, and Hsieh PS.  January 2022.  Augmented CCL5/CCR5 signaling in brown adipose tissue inhibits adaptive thermogenesis and worsens insulin resistance in obesity.  Clin. Sci. 136(1):121-137.

3.  Chueh FY, Chang YL, Wu SY, and Yu CL.  May 2020.  Signal transducer and activator of transcription 5a (STAT5a) represses mitochondrial gene expression through direct binding to mitochondrial DNA.  Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 527:974-978.

4.   Yu CL, Jove R, and Turkson J.  September 2016.  Chapter 4: Historical development of STAT3 inhibitors and early results in clinical trials.  Book title: STAT inhibitors in cancer (ISBN: 978-3-319-42947-2).  Series title: Cancer Drug Discovery and Development.  Humana Press.  Pages 69-94.

5.   Yu CL, Meyer DJ, Campbell GS, Larner AC. Carter-Su C, Schwartz J, and Jove R.  July 1995.  Enhanced DNA-binding activity of a Stat3-related protein in cells transformed by the Src oncoprotein.  Science 269(5220):81-83.