University of Florida · Microbiology & ImmunologyGut Immunity and Metabolism Lab
Liang Zhou · Gainesville, Florida
Research Focus
Dr. Liang Zhou's research lab focuses on understanding how specific immune cells in the gut, particularly RORgt+ lymphocytes, maintain tissue health and respond to infections. The lab investigates the roles of mitochondrial function and iron metabolism in the upkeep and activity of these immune cells, which could lead to new treatments for diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and infections. By exploring the intricate relationships between these cells and their environment, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that are crucial for gut health and immunity.
gut immunityRORgt+ lymphocytesiron metabolismILC3smitochondrial functionhost-microbiome interactioninfection responseinflammatory bowel diseaseimmune metabolism
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate the role of Tfam in maintaining RORgt+ gdT17 and ILC3 cells.
AIM 02Determine how Tfam impacts small intestinal tissue remodeling.
AIM 03Explore the influence of Ahr and iron metabolism on ILC3 function during infection.
Skills the Lab Values
cell cultureflow cytometrymouse modelsPCRgenetic manipulationcoculture techniquesimmunohistochemistryWestern blotRNA sequencing
Output against the department
Publications419top 8% of dept.41st of 486
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations29ktop 10% of dept.51st of 486
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.