The University of Texas at Dallas · BiologyDefensin Research and UTI Solutions Lab
Xintong Dong · Richardson, Texas
Research Focus
Dr. Xintong Dong's lab at the University of Texas Dallas focuses on understanding how the body defends against urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacteria. The lab works on a type of immune molecule called defensins to see how they protect the urinary tract and potentially cause discomfort. By using advanced genetic techniques and mouse models, the lab aims to develop new therapies to improve outcomes for patients suffering from UTIs and the pain they may cause.
defensinsurinary tract infectionsimmune responsemouse modelsneuroimmune interaction
Research Aims
3AIM 01Examine the role of defensins produced by bladder cells in protecting against bacterial invasion.
AIM 02Characterize immune responses in UTIs using advanced sequencing methods to analyze changes in cellular makeup.
AIM 03Investigate how defensins contribute to pain during UTIs by studying neuronal interactions.
Skills the Lab Values
genetic knockout techniquessingle cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq)cell culturebehavioral assaysimmunohistochemistry
Output against the department
Publications44bottom 9% of dept.938th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations2.2kbottom 15% of dept.876th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.