Dr. Yi Xiong is a Post-doctoral Research Fellow at the Bo Li Laboratory. He completed his MD/PhD degree at Central South University.
Research Interests: Precision Medicine in Neonatal Intestinal Development and Congenital Malformations
My research integrates developmental biology, clinical medicine, and computational science to investigate the pathogenesis of neonatal congenital intestinal diseases, such as Hirschsprung Disease (HSCR) and Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). I utilize multi-omics integration and computational pathology to decode the molecular logic of enteric neural crest cell (ENCC) migration and differentiation, with the ultimate goal of developing AI-assisted diagnostic models for clinical application.
Intestinal Microenvironment and Mechanotransduction
Niche Regulation: Investigating how the mechanical environment (e.g., tissue stiffness) and collagen deposition influence the development of the enteric nervous system. I am particularly interested in the distribution of KCNN3+ stromal cells and their contribution to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling.
Developmental Pathways: Identifying novel molecular targets governing the formation of shared muscular walls in complex malformations, providing a developmental basis for understanding colorectal duplications and fistulas.
Multi-omics Integration and Spatial Transcriptomics
Spatiotemporal Mapping: Utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (e.g., MERSCOPE) to perform high-resolution cell annotation across the aganglionic (A), transitional (T), and proximal (P) segments of HSCR patients.
Biomarker Discovery: Integrating proteomic and transcriptomic data to identify novel biomarkers for pathological subtyping, aimed at optimizing the determination of surgical resection boundaries.
Computational Pathology and AI-Driven Diagnostics
Deep Learning & Feature Extraction: Leveraging foundation models (such as the UNI model) to build histology feature extractors. I develop predictive models for pathologic scoring of intestinal inflammation to enhance the objectivity and efficiency of clinical diagnosis.
Digital Pathology: Utilizing AI for structural segmentation and quantitative analysis of complex tissue architectures to explore the correlation between digital pathological signatures and clinical outcomes.
Scientific Visualization and Medical Illustration
Dedicated to developing high-fidelity 3D anatomical models and mechanistic schematics for complex congenital malformations (e.g., rectoperineal fistulas). This focus aims to improve the clarity of surgical planning, clinical education, and the impact of scholarly communication.
Personal Interests
Outside the lab, Yi Xiong maintains a balanced lifestyle through a diverse range of personal pursuits. An avid traveler and photographer, he enjoys exploring new cultures and capturing unique perspectives through his lens. He is also a passionate enthusiast of live music, frequently attending concerts to find inspiration beyond the scientific realm. Alongside these creative interests, he stays active through sports and outdoor activities, valuing the clarity and energy that a life in motion brings to his academic research.