EN 中文

 

Xiao, Bailong

Date：2018-11-08
PI, IDG/McGovern Institute,Tsinghua University
PI, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University
PI, Tsinghua-Beijing Universities Center for Life Sciences
 
Office: Medical Sciences Building D407
Office Phone: 86-10-6277 3981
Lab Phone: 86-10-6277 3952
Email: xbailong@biomed.tsinghua.edu.cn

[Research Focus]

Ion channels are fundamental membrane proteins that regulate the flow of ions across cell membranes and control cell excitability and function. Inappropriate channel activities caused by either mutations or abnormal physiological regulations underlie the etiology of numerous pathologies (collectively known as channel- opathies). Thus, an understanding of their structure and function is likely to lead to the development of new therapeutics. Our laboratory is interested in investigating the structure-function relationship, physiological and pathophysiological roles of the so-called sensory ion channels such as temperature-activated Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels (thermoTRPs), Calcium Release Activated Calcium (CRAC) channels, and the newly identified mechanically activated Piezo channels. These channels can function as receptors for touch stimuli including temperature, chemicals, and mechanical force, and consequently govern the sense of touch. By focusing on char acterizing known sensory channels and identifying novel ones, we aim to better understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the sense of touch and pain and other related physiological processes such as inflammatory responses with an ultimate goal of identifying novel therapeutics. Techniques employed in our research include molecular biology, biochemistry, single cell or high-throughput calcium imaging, electrophysiology, siRNA or compound library screening, generation and behavioral analysis of transgenic mice, etc. Positions for postdoctoral fellow, graduate student and technician are available in our laboratory.
Our current research focuses aim to 1) comprehensively characterize the newly identified mechanically activated Piezo channels; 2) unravel the physiological relevance of the thermosensitive STIM1/Orai-mediated CRAC channels; 3) identify novel mechanosensitive or thermosensitive ion channels/receptors.

[Education & Experience]

2013-Present     PI, IDG/McGovern Institute,Tsinghua University
2013-Present     PI, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University
2013-Present     PI, Tsinghua-Beijing Universities Center for Life Sciences
2007-2012         Postdoctoral Research Associate, The Scripps Research Institute
2007-2012         Visiting Scientist，Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation
2001-2006         Ph.D., Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, University of Calgary
1997-2001         B.S., Dept. of Biochemistry, Sun Yat-Sen (zhongshan) University

[Selected Publications]

  • Jingyi Yuan*, Li Wang*, Sijia Liu*, Jie Geng, Xudong Chen, Xuzhong Yang, Xiaochun Zhang, Boxue Tian, Xueming Li# , Bailong Xiao#  (2026) Structural conservation and ion selectivity adaptation of the mechanically activated PIEZO channel. Neuron March30, 2026
  • Xiao Zhu*, Jiajie Zhu*, Wenhao Liu, Yaxiong Cui, Cheng Bi, Bailong Xiao#  (2026) Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction in choroid plexus epithelial cells governs  ciliogenesis and cerebrospinal fluid homeostasis. Neuron March 30, 2026
  • Wenhao Liu*, Xiaochun Zhang, Qijing He, Yang Meng, Boxue Tian, Bailong Xiao# (2025) Spring-like mechanics enable rapid inactivation and stochastic single-channel gating of the mechanically activated PIEZO channel. Cell Rep 2025 Dec23;44(12):116615.doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116615. Epub 2025 Nov 26.
  • Jinghui Jiang*, Wei Guo*, Xudong Chen, Qijing He, Yubo Wang, Xiaohui Zhu, Liying Yan, Jie Qiao# , Bailong Xiao# (2025) The fetal hydrops-associated single-residue  mutation L322P disrupts mechanical but not chemical activation of the PIEZO1 ion  channel. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2025 Aug 19;122(33):e2503793122. doi:10.1073/pnas.2503793122. Epub 2025 Aug 11. PMID: 40789030
  • Sijia Liu*, Xuzhong Yang*, Xudong Chen*, Xiaochun Zhang*, Jinghui Jiang*, Jingyi Yuan, Wenhao Liu, Li Wang, Heng Zhou, Kun Wu, Boxue Tian# , Xueming Li# ,Bailong Xiao#  (2025) An intermediate open structure reveals the gating transition of the mechanically activated PIEZO1 channel. Neuron. 2025 Feb 19;113(4):590-604.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.11.020. Epub 2024 Dec 23. PMID: 39719701
  • Tingxin Zhang, Cheng Bi, Yiran Li, Lingyun Zhao, Yaxiong Cui, Kunfu Ouyang# ,Bailong Xiao#  (2024) Phosphorylation of Piezo1 at a single residue, serine-1612,  regulates its mechanosensitivity and in vivo mechanotransduction function. Neuron 2024 Sep 10:S0896-6273(24)00581-6. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.08.009.
  • Bailong Xiao# (2024) Mechanisms of mechanotransduction and physiological roles of PIEZO channels. Nature Reviews Molecular and Cell Biology 2024Nov;25(11):886-903. doi: 10.1038/s41580-024-00773-5. Epub 2024 Sep 9.
  • Celeste M. Nelson, Bailong Xiao, Sara A. Wickström, Yves F. Dufrêne, Daniel J.Cosgrove, Carl-Philipp Heisenberg, Sirio Dupont, Amy E. Shyer, Alan R. Rodrigues, Xavier Trepat, Alba Diz-Muñoz (2024) Mechanobiology: Shaping the future of cellular form and function. Cell, VOICES| VOLUME 187, ISSUE 11, P2652-2656, MAY 23,   2024. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.006
  • Shaopeng Chi* Yaxiong Cui* , Haiping Wang* , Jinghui Jiang, Tingxin Zhang, Suhua Sun, Zhuan Zhou, Yi Zhong, Bailong Xiao#  (2022) Astrocytic Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction determines adult neurogenesis and cognitive functions.Neuron. 2022 Sep 21;110(18):2984-2999.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.07.010. Epub 2022 Aug 12.
  • Xuzhong Yang* , Chao Lin* , Xudong Chen* , Shouqin Li* ,Xueming Li# , Bailong Xiao# (2022) Deformation and curvature-gating of the PIEZO1 channel in lipid membranes. Nature 2022 Apr;604(7905):377-383. doi: 10.1038/s41586-022-04574-8. Epub 2022 Apr 6.
  • Jing Wang*, Jinghui Jiang*, Xuzhong Yang, Li Wang, Bailong Xiao# (2022) Tethering Piezo channels to the actin cytoskeleton for mechanogating via the E-cadherin-β- catenin mechanotransduction complex. Cell Rep.  2022  Feb  8;38(6):110342.  doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110342.
  • Wei-Zheng Zeng# and Bailong Xiao# (2021) Eukaryotic Mechanosensitive   Ion Channels (book chapter). Nonclassical Ion Channels in the Nervous System，Edited by Xu Tian-le, Long-Jun Wu, ISBN 9780367623951, Published August 20, 2021 by CRC Press.
  • Yao Rong*, Jinghui Jiang*, Yiwei Gao*, Jianli Guo, Danfeng Song, Wenhao Liu, Mingmin Zhang, Yan Zhao# , Bailong Xiao# , Zhenfeng Liu#  (2021) TMEM120A contains a specific coenzyme A-binding site and might not mediate poking- or stretch-induced channel activities in cells. Elife. 2021 Aug 19;10:e71474. doi:10.7554/eLife.71474.
  • Yang Jiang*, Xuzhong Yang*, Jinghui Jiang*, Bailong Xiao# (2021) Structural Designs and Mechanogating of the Mechanosensitive Piezo channels. Trends Biochem Sci. 2021 Feb 17:S0968-0004(21)00022-0. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2021.01.008.
  • Fan Jiang, Kunlun Yin, Kun Wu, Mingmin Zhang, Shiqiang Wang, Heping Cheng, Zhou Zhou, Bailong Xiao#  (2021) The mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel mediates heart mechano-chemo   transduction.   Nature   Commun.   2021   Feb   8;12(1):869.   doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-21178-4
  • Jie Geng*, Wenhao Liu*, Heng Zhou*, Tingxin Zhang*, Li Wang*, Mingmin Zhang, Yiran Li, Bo Shen, Xueming Li# , Bailong Xiao#  (2020) A plug-and-latch mechanism for gating  the  mechanosensitive  Piezo  channel.  Neuron.  2020  May  6;106(3):438- 451.e6.doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.02.010 (Featured by Neuron Previews).
  • Bailong Xiao# (2020) Levering mechanically activated Piezo channels for potential pharmacological intervention. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2020 Jan 6;60:195-218. doi: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010919-023703.
  • Li Wang* , Heng Zhou* , Mingmin Zhang* , Wenhao Liu* , Tuan Deng, Qiancheng Zhao, Yiran Li, Jianlin Lei, Xueming Li# , Bailong Xiao#  (2019) Structure and mechanogating of the mammalian tactile channel PIEZO2. Nature (Article) 2019 Sep;573(7773):225-229. doi: 10.1038/s41586-019-1505-8. Epub 2019 Aug 21. (Featured by Nature News & Views).
  • Weijia Sun* , Shaopeng Chi* , Yuheng Li, Shukuan Ling, Yingjun Tan, Youjia Xu, Fan Jiang, Jianwei Li, Caizhi Liu, Guohui Zhong, Dengchao Cao, Xiaoyan Jin, Dingsheng Zhao, Xingcheng  Gao, Zizhong  Liu,  Bailong  Xiao# ,  and  Yingxian  Li#   (2019) Themechanosensitive Piezo1 channel is required for bone formation. Elife. 2019 Jul 10;8. pii: e47454. doi: 10.7554/eLife.47454.
  • Mingmin  Zhang,  Yanfeng  Wang,  Jie Geng,  Shuqin Zhou, Bailong Xiao#  (2019) Mechanically  Activated   Piezo   Channels   Mediate   Touch   and   Suppress Acute Mechanical Pain Response in Mice. Cell Rep. 2019 Feb 5;26(6):1419-1431.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.01.056.
  • Xiaoling Liu*, Haiping Wang*, Yan Jiang*, Qin Zheng*, Matt Petrus, Mingmin Zhang, Sisi  Zheng,  Christian  Schmedt,  Xinzhong  Dong,  Bailong  Xiao#    (2019)  STIM1 thermosensitivity defines the optimal preference temperature for warm sensation in mice. Cell Res. 2019 Jan 3. doi: 10.1038/s41422-018-0129-0.
  • Qiancheng   Zhao*,    Heng   Zhou*,    Xueming   Li# ,    Bailong    Xiao#      (2018)   The mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel: a three-bladed propeller-like structure and a lever- like   mechanogating    mechanism.   FEBS   J.    2019   Jul;286(13):2461-2470.    doi: 10.1111/febs.14711. Epub 2018 Dec 14.
  • Qiancheng Zhao*, Heng Zhou*, Shaopeng Chi*, Yanfeng Wang*, Jianhua Wang, Jie Geng, Kun Wu, Wenhao Liu, Tingxin Zhang, Meng-Qiu Dong, Jiawei Wang, Xueming Li# , Bailong Xiao (2018) Structure and Mechanogating Mechanism of the Piezo1 Channel.  Nature  (Article) 2018  Feb 22;554(7693):487-492. doi: 10.1038/nature25743.  Epub  2018 Jan  22.  (Featured  by  Nature  News  &  Views; Selected by Faculty of 1000.) (Highly cited paper and this study has been cited by the textbook of Principals of Neurobiology edited by Dr. Liqun Luo)
  • Yanfeng Wang*, Shaopeng Chi*, Huifang Guo, Guang Li, Li Wang, Qiancheng Zhao, Yu Rao, Liansuo Zu, Wei He, Bailong Xiao#  (2018) A lever-like transduction pathway for  long-distance  chemical-  and  mechano-gating  of  the  mechanosensitive  Piezo1 channel. Nat Commun. 2018 Apr 3;9(1):1300. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-03570-9.
  • Yubo Wang, Bailong Xiao# (2018). The mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel: structural features and molecular bases underlying its ion permeation and mechanotransduction. J Physiol. 2018 Mar 15;596(6):969-978.
  • Tingxin Zhang*, Shaopeng Chi*, Fan Jiang, Qiancheng Zhao, Bailong Xiao (2017). A  protein  interaction  mechanism  for  suppressing  the  mechanosensitive  Piezo channels. Nat Commun. 2017 Nov 27;8(1):1797.
  • Jie Geng*, Qiancheng Zhao*, Tingxing Zhang*, Bailong Xiao#  (2017). In Touch With the Mechanosensitive Piezo Channels: Structure,  Ion Permeation    and Mechanotransduction. Curr Top Membr. 2017;79:159-195
  • Qiancheng Zhao*, Kun Wu*, Jie Geng*, Shaopeng Chi*, Yanfeng Wang, Peng Zhi, Mingmin Zhang, Bailong Xiao# (2016).  Ion Permeation  and  Mechanotransduction Mechanisms of Mechanosensitive Piezo Channels. Neuron. 2016 Mar 16;89(6):1248-63. (Previewed by Neuron; Reported by www.Eurekalert.org
  • Jingpeng Ge*, Wanqiu Li*, Qiancheng Zhao*, Ningning Li*, Maofei Chen, Peng Zhi, Ruochong Li, Ning Gao# , Bailong Xiao# , Maojun Yang# (2015). Architecture of the mammalian mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel. Nature (Article). Nov 5;527(7576):64- 9. (Highly cited paper).
  • Bertrand Coste* (co-first), Bailong Xiao* (co-first), Jose S. Santos, Ruhma Syeda, Jorg Grandl, Kathryn S. Spencer, Sung Eun Kim, Manuela Schmidt, Jayanti Mathur, Adrienne E. Dubin, Mauricio Montal, Ardem Patapoutian (2012). Piezo Proteins Are Pore-forming Subunits of Mechanically Activated Channels. Nature. 2012 Feb 19;483(7388):176-81 PMID:22343900 (Highly cited paper and this study has been cited by the textbook of Principals of Neurobiology edited by Dr. Liqun Luo; Selected by Faculty of 1000; Featured by Nature News & Views; TSRI News & Views; Reported by Science Daily)