Sudan He

Besides apoptosis, other forms of regulated cell death, such as necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, have been identified. We have discovered RIPK3 kinase as an essential molecule of necroptosis and demonstrated how RIPK3 is activated in the necroptosis signaling pathways initiated by the activation of TLR3/4 and HSV infection. We have a long-standing interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms of necroptosis and new forms of regulated cell death, using combined approaches of CRISPR/Cas9-based screening, small molecule inhibitors, etc.

Necroptosis has been shown to play a prominent role in various pathophysiological conditions, including inflammatory diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. As lytic cell death, necroptosis results in the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that trigger inflammation. We are exploring the precise role of necroptosis in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and cancer. We have identified new small molecular inhibitors of necroptosis, which can be used in the development of novel strategies for the intervention of inflammatory diseases and cancer.