Dr. Billy Li

Biography

The Jin Billy Li Lab at Stanford University is deeply interested in studying RNA editing modifications. The group focuses on approximately 100 RNA modifications, collectively referred to as the epitranscriptome, which remain poorly understood. With a long-term interest in elucidating the biological roles of RNA modifications, the current emphasis is on A-to-I RNA editing, where genetically encoded adenosine is converted to inosine; this modification is recognized as guanosine in RNA. The lab aims to identify RNA editing events across entire transcriptomes and understand the regulation and functions associated with these modifications. Their work has successfully mapped A-to-I editing in transcriptomes of multiple species, revealing significant features of the cis and trans regulation of A-to-I RNA editing. Recently, it has been discovered that RNA editing plays a critical role in suppressing innate immunity, implicating its involvement in autoimmune diseases and cancers. The Li Lab employs a wide range of experimental approaches, including molecular genetics, genomics, biochemistry, cell biology, chemical biology, and technology development in computational biology.

Research Interests