Wei Xu, PhD
Assistant Professor

Research Interest 

The Xu Lab at Marshall University is a dynamic research group focused on understanding how bacteria cause disease, especially Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis. We study how these pathogens disrupt the immune system and damage tissue by producing small molecules called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Our team is developing new therapies that block harmful bacterial metabolism and protease activity, with the goal of improving recovery from serious infections and protecting healthy tissue. We also investigate a form of excessive immune response called hyper-NETosis, which plays a key role in shaping how the body fights infection. By connecting basic science with real-world clinical problems, our work aims to advance treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections through innovation and collaboration.

The approaches applied in my laboratory include molecular, cellular, and integrative methodologies. These methods include west blot, real-time PCR, mass spectrum, microRNA sequencing, nanosight tracking analysis (NTA), flow cytometry, etc. Animal surgery methods (MCAO, telemetric probe, osmotic minipump, microinjection) are also used in my research. The animal models used in my research include a spontaneous hemorrhagic stroke model induced in the rennin/angiotensinogen double transgenic (R+A+) hypertensive mice, collagenase-induced focal hemorrhagic stroke model, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced ischemic stroke, the db/db and STZ-induced diabetic mouse models. Additionally, I use clinical samples from translational studies of diabetes and stroke patients through collaboration with clinicians.