Jie Xu

Research Focus & Interests

The Xu Lab is committed to uncovering the molecular mechanisms that govern inflammation and innate immunity. While inflammation serves as a vital defense mechanism against infection and tissue damage, its dysregulation can drive the development of numerous diseases. Our lab employs a multidisciplinary approach—combining biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, and neuroscience—to explore these complex biological processes.

Our primary focus is the NLRP3 inflammasome, a critical mediator of inflammation and a compelling therapeutic target implicated in a broad spectrum of inflammatory diseases. Current research projects include:

· Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying NLRP3 inflammasome activation

· Investigating the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease

We are seeking motivated students and postdoctoral researchers to join our team. If you are passionate about advancing knowledge in immunology and inflammation through innovative research, we encourage you to apply.

Education & Certifications

PhD, Neuroscience, 2016. McGill University, Canada.

Selected Publications

Jie Xu*, Lingzhi Zhang, Yanhui Duan, Fangyuan Sun, Nouha Odeh, Yuan He*, Gabriel Núñez*. (2025) NEK7 phosphorylation amplifies NLRP3 inflammasome activation

downstream of potassium efflux and gasdermin D. Science Immunology 10(103):eadl2993. *Correspondence

Jie Xu*, Joseph Pickard, Gabriel Núñez*. (2024) FDA-approved Disulfiram Inhibits the NLRP3 Inflammasome by Regulating NLRP3 Palmitoylation. Cell Reports 43(8):114609. *Correspondence

Jie Xu, Gabriel Núñez. (2023) The NLRP3 inflammasome: activation and regulation. Trends Biochem Sci. 2023 Apr;48(4):331-344.

Jie Xu, Guennadi Kozlov, Peter S. McPherson, Kalle Gehring. (2018) A PH-like domain of the Rab12 guanine nucleotide exchange factor DENND3 binds actin and is required for autophagy. J Biol Chem. 293(12):4566-4574. (selected as a J Biol Chem "Editors' Pick"", which is “in the top 2 percent of manuscripts reviewed in J Biol Chem in significance and overall importance”)

Jie Xu*, Peter S. McPherson*. (2017) Regulation of DENND3, the exchange factor for the small GTPase Rab12 through an intramolecular interaction. J Biol Chem. 292(17): 7274-7282. (Selected as a J Biol Chem "Editors' Pick) *Correspondence

Jie Xu, Peter S. McPherson. (2015) DENND3: a signaling/trafficking interface in autophagy. Cell Cycle. 14(17):2717-8.

Jie Xu*, Maryam Fotouhi, Peter S. McPherson*. (2015) Phosphorylation of the exchange factor DENND3 by ULK in response to starvation activates Rab12 and induces autophagy. EMBO Reports. 16(6):709-18. (Featured in the Faculty of 1000) *Correspondence.

Jie Xu, Yong Liu, Guang-Yi Zhang. (2008) Neuroprotection of GluR5-containing kainate receptor activation against ischemic brain injury through decreasing tyrosine phosphorylation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors mediated by Src kinase. J Biol Chem. 283(43):29355-66.