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Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine CMM
  1. Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
  2. Research
  3. Center for Epigenomics
  4. Collaborate with Us
  5. Collaborators
  6. Xiangmin Xu

Pioneering Neural Circuit Mapping and Alzheimer's Disease Studies

Dr. Xiangmin Xu, Chancellor's Professor and Founding Director of the Center for Neural Circuit Mapping at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), is known for his groundbreaking research in neural circuits, sensory perception, learning and memory, and the neural plasticity associated with aging and Alzheimer's disease. With primary appointments in the School of Medicine and joint roles in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Computer Science, and Bioengineering, Dr. Xu’s interdisciplinary approach has positioned him at the forefront of neuroscience research.

Collaboration with Bing Ren and Center for Epigenomics

Dr. Xu's collaboration with Dr. Bing Ren and UC San Diego’s Center for Epigenomics began in 2019 and has been particularly fruitful. The two have secured six major joint grants from NIH, five of which are still ongoing. These collaborations focus on the application of single-cell epigenome technologies to critical questions in neuroscience, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease and aging. This work often involves sophisticated models, including mice, unconventional animals like dogs and degus, and human tissues.

Single-Cell Epigenome Technologies

Dr. Xu's lab at UCI is at the cutting edge of using single-cell epigenome technologies, which have become a cornerstone in understanding the molecular underpinnings of neurodegenerative diseases. His research explores how epigenetic changes at the single-cell level contribute to diseases like Alzheimer’s, with a focus on histone modifications and gene regulatory elements. The lab’s expertise in this area has led to several significant projects, including a large-scale collaboration with the Salk Institute to investigate the human brain at the single-cell level.

In a study published in 2022, Xu and Ren discovered that as mice age, specific changes occur in the chromatin structure of certain brain cells, particularly in excitatory neurons. These changes, including increased chromatin accessibility and loss of a key epigenetic marker, may contribute to the aging process and decline in organ function.

UCI Center for Neural Circuit Mapping

A major initiative led by Dr. Xu is the establishment of the UCI Center for Neural Circuit Mapping (CNCM). The CNCM fosters transformative and translational research programs aimed at developing new treatments for nervous system diseases. Under Dr. Xu’s leadership, the center has developed a broad collaborative infrastructure, engaging with various academic and research institutions to push the boundaries of what is possible in neural circuit research.

Focus on Alzheimer’s Disease and Precision Medicine

One of Dr. Xu's primary research focuses is on the neural circuits involved in Alzheimer's disease, stress, depression, and epilepsy. His work involves developing and utilizing viral genetic tools to trace and manipulate specific neural circuits, with the goal of understanding and eventually treating these conditions. Recently, Dr. Xu’s team, in collaboration with Dr. Ren’s group, has embarked on a new direction in precision medicine by using gene regulatory elements to label specific targets within the brain, a technique that holds great promise for the development of targeted therapies.

Conferences and Academic Leadership

Dr. Xu is also deeply involved in the academic community, having organized and participated in key conferences on neuroscience and single-cell genomics. His contributions to the BRAIN Initiative, a collaborative effort involving UCI, the Salk Institute, UC San Diego, and Washington University, have been particularly notable. This $126 million initiative over five years aims to advance our understanding of the human brain through innovative research and technology.

Looking Forward

With ongoing collaborations and new initiatives on the horizon, Dr. Xiangmin Xu's work at UCI continues to push the boundaries of neuroscience. His research not only enhances our understanding of neural circuits and their role in diseases like Alzheimer’s but also opens new avenues for treatment and precision medicine. As he continues to collaborate with leading researchers like Bing Ren and expand the reach of the CNCM, Dr. Xu remains a key figure in the quest to unravel the complexities of the human brain.