Jiaxing Li Lab

The Li Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina focuses on understanding the fundamental biology of oligodendrocytes and their roles in central nervous system (CNS) function and disease. Oligodendrocytes and their precursor cells (OPCs) are essential for myelination, synaptic regulation, and neural circuit maintenance. However, the mechanisms governing their interactions with neurons, as well as their contributions to CNS plasticity and pathology, remain poorly understood. Our research aims to uncover the molecular and cellular processes that regulate OPC development, neuron-OPC synaptic communication, and the broader impact of glial cells on CNS function. By integrating advanced in vivo imaging and genetic tools—particularly in zebrafish—we seek to elucidate how these interactions shape brain development and contribute to neurological disorders.