Ying-Hui Fu, PhD

Professor
Department of Neurology
+1 415 514-9310
Research Description: 

Dr. Fu’s research uses human genetics combined with multiple model organisms to investigate molecular mechanisms of human conditions. Her laboratory has been focusing on two areas: one in myelin biology and the other in circadian rhythm and sleep behaviors. For myelin biology, they investigate the interlocking networks of protein-coding genes and non-coding RNAs in ensuring a healthy myelin. For circadian and sleep behaviors, over the last 15 years, she and her colleagues identified several mutations that lead to extreme morning lark phenotype. In addition, they are investigating the genetic basis for human subjects to have shorter sleep duration. Since circadian rhythm and sleep homeostasis are intimately connected with many physiological pathways including metabolism, immune function, and mood regulation, to name but a few, these studies will also shed new light on how sleep schedule and sleep homeostasis can impact on health.

Primary Thematic Area: 
Human Genetics
Secondary Thematic Area: 
Neurobiology
Research Summary: 
Molecular understanding of human sleep behaviors

Websites

Publications: 

The Genetics of Human Sleep and Sleep Disorders.

Annual review of genomics and human genetics

Zou X, Ptácek LJ, Fu YH

A metabolic perspective to sleep genetics.

Current opinion in neurobiology

Levine DC, Ptácek LJ, Fu YH

Diverse roles of pontine NPS-expressing neurons in sleep regulation.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Xing L, Zou X, Yin C, Webb JM, Shi G, Ptácek LJ, Fu YH

Mutant �1-adrenergic receptor improves REM sleep and ameliorates tau accumulation in a mouse model of tauopathy.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Dong Q, Pt?cek LJ, Fu YH

An excitatory peri-tegmental reticular nucleus circuit for wake maintenance.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Webb JM, Ma M, Yin C, Ptácek LJ, Fu YH