ren-ke-li
Editor in Chief
Ren Ke Li, PhD
Professor of Surgery

Education

DEGREE DEPARTMENT UNIVERSITY YEAR
Ph.D Clinical Biochemistry University of Toronto 1992
MSc Clinical Biochemistry University of Toronto 1988
MHSc   Shanxi Medical University 1986
MD   Harbin Medical University 1978

Biography

Dr. Ren-Ke Li is a Professor of Medicine in the Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Toronto. Dr. Li is also a Senior Scientist at the Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network. He is the Canada Research Chair in Cardiac Regeneration.

Dr. Li has been on the forefront in the field of cell transplantation and tissue engineering. In 1996, he published the first demonstration that cells transplanted into myocardial scar tissue improved heart function. Over 25 years his research group has defined muscle cell transplantation for Cardiac Repair, followed by stem cell transplantation for Cardiac Regeneration. Both cell repair and regeneration technologies have been translated to clinical application. Since the patients with heart failure are aged population, currently, his research group is attempting to determine the mechanisms by which transplanted cells exert their beneficial effects by Rejuvenation of aged stem cells and aged recipients. Clarifying these mechanisms of Repair, Regeneration and Rejuvenation will allow them to develop the “next generation” of cell therapy for restoration of heart function of aged patients. Dr. Li has published 232 peer-reviewed papers.

Research Interest

  • Cell transplantation into damaged myocardial tissue to regenerate myocardium and restore heart function
  • Tissue engineering to create a muscle graft using stem cells in combination with biomaterials for repair of cardiac defects. He has used stem cells
  • Gene therapy and tissue engineering technique to regenerate and rejuvenate heart for restore heart function

Scientific Activities

Employment History
2002 - present. Professor, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
2000 - present Senior Scientist, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
2017 Jan - present Professor, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2011- present Professor, Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
2005 - present Adjunct Scientist, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
2002 - present Professor, Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
1998 - present Full Member, Graduate Faculty, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Professional Activities

Editorial Boards

  • Editorial Board Member of Applied Sciences
  • Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine and Therapy
  • Canadian Journal of Cardiology
  • Journal of Stem Cell Therapy and Transplantation
  • Gavin Publishers
  • Journal of Human Pathology
  • Biomaterials Research
  • Biomaterials Research
  • Journal of Stem Cells and Clinical Practice
  • Cell Transplantation
  • Adaptive Medicine
  • Stem Cells Review Letters
  • World Journal of Stem Cells
  • Stem Cell Research
  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Associate Editor

  • Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Biologics and Regenerative Medicine
  • Stem Cells International
  • Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, Regenerative Cardiology Section
  • Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
Honors and Awards

International

  • Fellowship, International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences. (Distinction)- 2005
  • Fellowship, American Heart Association, Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia. (Distinction) - 2011
  • Scientific Award, Chinese American Medical Society. (Distinction)- 2006
  • Clemson Award for Applied Research, Society for Biomaterials, United States. (Distinction)- 2001
  • Visiting Professor, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Department of Cardiology, Cleveland, Ohio
  • (Distinction) – 2000

National

  • Fellowship, Canadian Cardiovascular Society, Canada. (Distinction)- 2016
  • Distinguished Visiting Professor Award, CIHR Training Program in Regenerative Medicine, Canada
  • (Distinction)- 2016
  • Canada Research Chair in Cardiac Regeneration, CIHR/University of Toronto. (Research Award)- 2013
  • The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, The Governor General of Canada. (Distinction)- 2012
  • Fellowship, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. (Distinction)- 2011
  • Professional Achievement Award, Chinese Professionals Association of Canada. (Distinction)- 2010
  • Vincenzo Panagia Distinguished Lecture Award, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manitoba. (Distinction)- 2007
  • Canada Research Chair in Cardiac Regeneration, CIHR/University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
  • (Research Award)- 2006
  • Career Investigator Award, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. (Distinction)- 2006
  • Career Investigator Award, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. (Distinction)- 2001

PROVINCIAL / REGIONAL

  • Premier’s Research Excellence Award, Ontario Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology.
  • (Distinction)- 2001
  • Lister Prize, University of Toronto. (Research Award)- 2012

Publications

  1. Zeng Y, Du WW, Wu Y, Yang Z, Awan FM, Li X, Yang W, Zhang C, Yang Q, Yee A, Chen Y, Yang F, Sun H, Huang R, Yee AJ, Li R-K, Wu Z, Backx PH, Yang BY. A CIRCULAR RNA binds and activates AKT phosphorylation and nuclear localization reducing apoptosis and enhancing cardiac repair. Theranostics 2017; 7(16):3842-3855. Impact factor 8:854. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  2. Montgomery M, Ahadian S, Davenport Huyer L, Lo Rito M, Civitarese RA, Vanderlaan R, WuJ, Reis LA, Momen A, Akbari S, Pahnke A, Li R-K, Caldarone CA, Radisic M. Flexible shape-memory scaffold for minimally invasive delivery of functional tissues, Nature Materials. Epub. 2017. Impact Factor 39.737. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  3. Fu BC, Lanh JL, Zhang DY, Sun L, Chen W, Liu W, Liu KY, Ma CY, Jiang SL, Li R-K, Tian H. Suppression of microRNA034a expression in the myocardium protects against ischemia reperfusion injury through silent information regulator 1 protective pathway. Stem Cells Development. 2017 Jul epub ahead of print. Impact Factor 3.562. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  4. Tobin S, Li SH, Li J, Wu J, Yeganeh A, Yu Pan, Weisel RD, Li RK. Dual roles for bone marrow-derived Sca-1 cells in cardiac function. The FASEB Journal. 2017 July; 31(7):2905-2915. Impact Factor 5.299. Senior Responsible Author
  5. Yu J, Guo Q, Mu JB, Zhang T, Li R-K, Xie J. Nr2e1 Down regulation is involved in excess retinoic acid-induced development abnormality in the mouse brain. Biomedical Environmental Science. 2017 Mar;30(3): 185-193. Impact Factor 2.204. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  6. Li SH, Sun L, Yang L, Li J, Shao Z, Du G, Wu J, Weisel RD, Li RK. Young Bone-Marrow Sca-1+ Stem Cells Rejuvenate the Aged Heart and Improve Function after Injury through PDGFRβ-Akt pathway. Scientific Reports. 2017 January 31;7;41756. Impact Factor 5.228. Senior Responsible Author.
  7. Du G-Q, Wu J, Shao Z-B, Li S-H, Wu J, Ni N.C., Weisel, R.D., Tian J-W, Li R-K. Targeted myocardial delivery of GDF11 gene rejuvenates the aged mouse heart and enhances myocardial regeneration after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Basic Research in Cardiology. 2017 January;112(1):7. Impact Factor 6.008. Senior Responsible Author.
  8. Rodness J, Mihic A, Miyagi Y, Wu J, Weisel RD, Li RK. VEGF-loaded microsphere patch for local protein delivery to the ischemic heart. Acta Biomaterialia. 2016 Nov 1;45:169-181. Impact Factor 6.025. Senior Responsible Author.
  9. Zhai XY, Yan P, Zhang J, Song HF, Yin WJ, Gong H, Li H, Wu J, Xie J, Li R-K. Knockdown of SIRT6 enables human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell senescence. Rejuvenation Research. 2016 Oct 1;2015(5):373-384. Impact Factor 3.311. Senior Responsible Author.
  10. Iijima M, Aubin H, Steinbrink M, Schiffer F, Assmann A, Weisel RD, Matsui Y, Li R-K, Lichtenberg A, Akhyari P. Bio-active coating of decellularized vascular grafts with a temperature-sensitive VEGF-conjugated hydrogel accelerates autologous endothelialization in vivo. Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. 2016 Sep 30. Impact Factor 4.71. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  11. Hatta, Zhang Y, Wu J, SunZ, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Uterine derived CD11b cells significantly increase vasculogenesis and promote myocardial healing in cardiomyopathy. Cell Transplantation. 2016 Sep 2;25(9):1665-1674. Impact Factor 3.127. Senior Responsible Author.
  12. Noiseux N, Mansour S, Weisel R, Stevens L, Der Sarkissian S, Tsang K, Crean A, Larose E, Li S, Wintersperger B, Vu M, Prieto I, Li R-K, Roy D C, Yau TM. The IMPACT-CABG trial: A multicenter, randomized clinical trial of CD133+ stem cell therapy during coronary artery bypass grafting for ischemic cardiomyopathy. The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2016 Aug 13;6(152):1582-1588. In Press. Impact Factor 3.494. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  13. Huang XP, Ludke A, Dhingra S, Guo J, Sun Z, Zhang L, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Class II transactivator knockdown limits major histocompatibility complex II expression, diminishes immune rejection, and improves survival of allogeneic bone marrow stem cells in the infarcted heart. The FASEB Journal. 2016 May 24;30. Impact Factor 5.299. Senior Responsible Author.
  14. Wu J Song HF, Li SH, Guo J, Tsang K, Tumiati L, Butany J, Yau TM, Ouzounian M, Fu S, Tirone ED, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Progressive Aortic Dilation Is Regulated by miR-17-Associated miRNAs. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2016 Apr 5;67(25):2965-77. Impact Factor 17.759. Senior Responsible Author.
  15. Yan P, Gong H, Zhai X, Feng Y, Wu J, He S, Guo J, Wang X, Guo R, Xie J, Li R-K. Decreasing CNPY2 Expression Diminishes Colorectal Tumor Growth and Development through Activation of p53 Pathway. American Journal of Pathology. 2016 Apr;186(4):1015-1024. Impact Factor 4.206. Senior Responsible Author.
  16. Dadson K, Kovacevic V, Rengasamy P, Kim GH, Boo S, Li R-K, George I, Schulze PC, Hinz B, Sweeney G. Cellular, structural and functional cardiac remodelling following pressure overload and unloading. International Journal of Cardiology. 2016 Mar 27;216:32-42. Impact Factor 4.638. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  17. Nazari M, Ni NC, Lüdke A, Li SH, Guo J, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Mast cells promote proliferation and migration and inhibit differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells through PDGF. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology. 2016 Mar 15;94:32-42. Impact Factor 4.874. Senior Responsible Author.
  18. Zhang YN, Xie BD, Sun L, Chen W, Jiang SL, Liu W, Bian F, Tian H, Li R-K. Phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells in the ‘normal region’ of aorta from atherosclerosis patients is regulated by miR-145. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. 2016 Feb 4;20(6):1049-1061. Impact Factor 4.938. Senior Responsible Author.
  19. Ni NC, Jin CS, Cui L, Shao Z, Wu J, Li SH, Weisel RD, Zheng G, Li R-K. Non-invasive Macrophage Tracking Using Novel Porphysome Nanoparticles in the Post-myocardial Infarction Murine Heart. Molecular Imaging Biology. 2016 Jan 4. Impact Factor 2.774. Senior Responsible Author.
  20. Shao Z, Nazari M, Guo L, Li SH, Sun J, Liu SM, Yuan HP, Weisel RD, Li R-K. The cardiac repair benefits of inflammation do not persist: Evidence from mast cell implantation. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. 2015 Dec 19;20(10):1-12. Impact Factor 5.107. Senior Responsible Author.
  21. Leung BM, Miyagi Y, Li R-K, Sefton MV. Fate of modular cardiac tissue constructs in a syngeneic rat model. Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. 2015 Nov 1;9(11):1247-58. Impact Factor 5.199. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  22. Guo J, Mihic A, Wu J, Zhang Y, Singh K, Dhingra S, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Canopy 2 attenuates the transition from compensatory hypertrophy to dilated heart failure in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. European Heart Journal. 2015 Oct 1;36(37):2530-40. Impact Factor 15.203. Senior Responsible Author.
  23. Cheng H, Li H, Bu Z, Zhang Q, Bai B, Zhao H, Li R-K, Zhang T, Xie J. Functional variant in methionine synthase reductase intron-1 is associated with pleiotropic congenital malformations. Molecular Cell Biochemistry. 2015 Sep 1;407(1-2):51-6. Impact Factor 2.393. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  24. Mihic A, Cui Z, Wu J, Miyagi Y, Li SH, Lu S, Sung HW, Weisel RD. Li R-K. A Conductive Polymer Hydrogel Supports Cell Electrical Signaling and Improves Cardiac Function After Implantation into Myocardial Infarction. Circulation. 2015 Aug;132(8):772-84. Impact Factor 14.43. Senior Responsible Author.
  25. Ludke A, Wu J, Nazari M, Hatta K, Zhengbo S, Li SH, Huifang S, Nathan NC, Weisel, RD, Li R-K. Uterine-derived progenitor cells are immunoprivileged and effectively improve cardiac regeneration when used for cell therapy. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology. 2015 Jul 1;84:116-28. Impact Factor 5.107. Senior Responsible Author.
  26. Jahng JW, Turdi S, Kovacevic V, Dadson K, Li R-K, Sweeney G. Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction in Aged Male Adiponectin Knockout Mice Is Associated With Autophagy Deficiency. Endocrinology. 2015 Jul 1;156(7):2667-77. Impact Factor 4.503. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  27. Sun Z, Wu J, Li SH, Zhang Y, Xaymardan M, Wen XY, Weisel RD, Keating A, Li R-K. Uterine-derived stem cells reconstitute the bone marrow of irradiated mice. Stem Cells Dev. 2015 Apr 15;24(8):938-47. Impact Factor 3.727. Senior Responsible Author.
  28. Reis LA, Chiu LL, Wu J, Feric N, Laschinger C, Momen A, Li R-K, Radisic M. Hydrogels with integrin-binding angiopoietin-1-derived peptide, QHREDGS, for treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Circulation: Heart Failure. 2015 Mar 1;8(2):333-41. Impact Factor 5.891. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  29. Guo J, Zhang Y, Mihic A, Li SH, SunZ, Shao Z, Wu J, Weisel RD, Li R-K. A secreted protein (Canopy 2, CNPY2) enhances angiogenesis and promotes smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation. Cardiovascular Research. 2015 Mar;105(3):383-93. Impact Factor 5.94. Senior Responsible Author.
  30. Noyan H, El-Mounayri O, Isserlin R, Arab S, Momen A, Cheng HS, Wu J, Afroze T, Li R-K, Fish JE, Bader GD, Husain M. Cardioprotective Signature of Short-Term Caloric Restriction. PLoS One. 2015 Jan 1;10(6):e0130658. Impact Factor 3.234. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  31. Dhingra S, Wu J, Li SH, Guo J, Huang XP, Mihic A, Hu J, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Modulation of allo-immune responses by interleukin-10 prevents rejection of implanted allogeneic smooth muscle cells and restores post-infarction ventricular function. Cell Transplant. 2015;24(6):1013-29. Impact Factor 3.127. Senior Responsible Author.
  32. Hatta K, Guo J, Ludke A, Dhingra S, Singh K, Huang ML, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Expression of CNPY2 in mouse tissues: Quantification and localization. PLoS One. 2014 Nov 13;13;9(11):e111370. Impact Factor 3.234. Senior Responsible Author.
  33. Wang XQ, Shao Y, Ma CY, Chen W, Sun L, Liu W, Zhang DY, Fu BC, Liu KY, Jia ZB, Xie BD, Jiang SL, Li R-K, Tian H. Decreased SIRT3 in aged human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells increases cellular susceptibility to oxidative stress. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. 2014 Nov 1;18(11):2298-310. Impact Factor 5.107. Senior Responsible Author.
  34. Shahzad U, Li G, Zhang Y, Li R-K, Rao V, Yau T. Transmyocardial revascularization enhances bone marrow stem cell engraftment in infarcted hearts through SCF - C-kit and SDF-1 - CXCR4 Signaling Axes. Stem Cell Reviews and Reports. 2014 Oct 21;11(2):332-46. Impact Factor 2.768. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  35. Witty A, Mihic A, Tam R, Fisher S, Mikryukov A, Shoichet M, Li R-K, Kattman S. The generation of the epicardial lineage from human pluripotent stem cells. Nature Biotechnology. 2014 Jul 25;32(10):1026-35. Impact Factor 41.514. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  36. Sun X, Momen A, Wu J, Noyan H, Li R-K, Von Harsdorf R, Husain M. p27 protein protects metabolically stressed cardiomyocytes from apoptosis by promoting autophagy. J Biol Chem. 2014 Jun 13;289(24):16924-16935. Impact Factor 4.5. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  37. Wang HB, Yang L, Wu J, Sun L, Wu J, Tian H, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Reduced ischemic injury after stroke in mice by angiogenic gene delivery via ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2014 Jun;73(6):548-58. Senior Responsible Author.
  38. Zhang L, Chen X, Sharma P, Moon M, Sheftel AD, Dawood F, Nghiem MP, Wu J, Li R-K, Gramolini AO, Sorensen PH, Penninger JM, Brumell JH, Liu PP. HACE1-dependent protein degradation provides cardiac protection in response to haemodynamic stress. Nature Communications. 2014 Mar 11;5:3430. Impact Factor 11.3. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  39. Mihic A, Li J, Miyagi Y, Gagliardi M, Li SH, Zu J, Weisel RD, Keller G, Li R-K. The effect of cyclic stretch of maturation and 3D tissue formation of human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Biomaterials. 2014 Mar 1;35(9):2798-808. Impact Factor 8.387. Senior Responsible Author.
  40. Yan P, Chen KJ, Wu J, Sun L, Sung HW, Weisel RD, Xie J, Li R-K. The use of MMP2 antibody-conjugated cationic microbubble to target the ischemic myocardium, enhance Timp3 gene transfection and improve cardiac function. Biomaterials. 2014 Jan 1;35(3):1063-73. Senior Responsible Author.
  41. Wang YS, Li SH, Guo J, Mihic A, Wu J, Sun L, Davis K, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Role of miR-145 in cardiac myofibroblast differentiation. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology. 2014 Jan 1;66:94-105. Available from: 4.7. Senior Responsible Author.
  42. Li R-K, Guo J. Single nucleotide variances can account for loss of microRNA function - The emerging calk between genetics and epigenetics. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2014;63(3):278-80. Senior Responsible Author.
  43. Li SH, Guo J, Wu J, Sun Z, Han M, Shan SW, Deng Z, Yang BB, Weisel RD, Li R-K. miR-17 targets tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and 2 to modulate cardiac matrix remodeling. FASEB J. 2013 Oct 1;27(10):4254-65. Senior Responsible Author.
  44. Park M, Wu D, Park T, Choi CS, Li R-K, Cheng KK, Xu A, Sweeney G. APPL1 transgenic mice are protected from high-fat diet-induced cardiac dysfunction. American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2013 Oct 1;305(7):E795-804. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  45. Dhingra S, Li P, Huang XP, Guo J, Wu J, Mihic A, Li SH, Zang WF, Shen D, Weisel RD, Singal PK, Li R-K. Preserving prostaglandin E2 level prevents rejection of implanted allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells and restores postinfarction ventricular function. Circulation. 2013 Sep 10;128(11 Suppl 1): S69-78. Impact Factor 14.43. Senior Responsible Author.
  46. Li P, Li SH, Wu J, Zang WF, Dhingra S, Sun L, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Interleukin-6 downregulation with mesenchymal stem cell differentiation results in loss of immunoprivilege. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. 2013 Sep 1;17(9):1136-45. Senior Responsible Author.
  47. Yu BF, Wu J, Zhang Y, Sung HW, Xie J, Li R-K. Ultrasound-targeted HSVtk and Timp3 gene delivery for synergistically enhanced antitumor effects in hepatoma. Cancer Gene Therapy. 2013 May;20(5):290-7. Senior Responsible Author.
  48. El-Mounayri O, Mihic A, Shikatani EA, Gagliardi M, KSteinbach SK, Dubois N, Dacosta R, Li R-K, Keller G, Husain M. Serum-free differentiation of functional human coronary-like vascular smooth muscle cells from embryonic stem cells. Circulation Research. 2013 Apr;98(1):125-35. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  49. Li S-H, Sun Z, Brunt KR, Shi X, Chen M-S, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Reconstitution of aged bone marrow with young cells repopulates cardiac-resident bone marrow derived progenitor cells and prevents cardiac dysfunction after a myocardial infarction. European Heart Journal. 2013 Apr;34(15):1157-67. Impact Factor 15.203. Senior Responsible Author.
  50. Wu S, Shang H, Cui L, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Li Y, Wu J, Li R-K, Xie J. Targeted blockade of interleukin-8 abrogates its promotion of cervical cancer growth and metastasis. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. 2013 Mar;375(1-2):69-79. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  51. Sun L, Huang CW, Wu J, Chen KJ, Li S-H, Weisel RD, Rakowski H, Sung HW, Li R-K. The use of cationic microbubbles to improve ultrasound-targeted gene delivery to the ischemic myocardium. Biomaterials. 2013 Mar;34(8):2107-16. Senior Responsible Author.
  52. Chen Y, Yu B, Xue G, Zhao J, Li R-K, Liu Z, Niu B. Effects of storage solutions on the viability of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for transplantation. Cell Transplantation. 2013 Jan 1;22(6):1075-86. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  53. Noyan-Ashraf MH, Shikatani EA, Schuiki I, Mukovozov I, Wu J, Li R-K, Volchuk A, Robinson LA, Billia F, Drucker DJ, Husain M. A glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue reverses the molecular pathology and cardiac dysfunction of a mouse model of obesity. Circulation. 2013 Jan;127(1):74-85. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  54. Hsiao C-W, Bai M-Y, Chang Y, Chung M-F, Lee TY, Wu C-T, Maiti B, Liao Z-X, Li R-K, Sung H-W. Electrical coupling of isolated cardiomyocyte clusters grown on aligned conductive nanofibrous meshes for their synchronized beating. Biomaterials. 2013 Jan;34(4):1063-72. Senior Responsible Author.
  55. Eguchi M, Xu G, Li R-K, Sweeney G. Diabetes influences cardiac extracellular matrix remodeling after myocardial infarction and subsequent development of cardiac dysfunction. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. 2012 Dec;16(12):2925-34. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  56. Yang WJ, Li SH, Weisel RD, Liu SM, Li R-K. Cell fusion contributes to the rescue of apoptotic cardiomyocytes by bone marrow cells. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. 2012 Dec;16(12):3085-95. Senior Responsible Author.
  57. Kang K, Sun L, Xiao Y, Li S-H, Wu J, Guo J, Jiang S-L, Yang Lei, Yau TM, Weisel RD, Radisic M, Li R-K. Aged human cells rejuvenated by cytokine-enhancement of biomaterials for surgical ventricular restoration. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2012 Nov;60(21):2237-49. Senior Responsible Author.
  58. Li S-H, Sun Z, Guo L, Han M, Wood M, Ghosh N, Vitkin IA, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Elastin overexpression by cell-based gene therapy preserves matrix and prevents cardiac dilation. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. 2012 Oct;16(10):2429-39. Senior Responsible Author.
  59. Yao J, Jiang SL, Liu W, Liu C, Chen W, Sun L, Liu KY, Jia ZB, Li R-K, Tian H. Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 or vascular endothelial growth factor transfection of aged human mesenchymal stem cells enhances cell therapy after myocardial infarction. Rejuvenation Research. 2012 Oct;15(5):495-506. Senior Responsible Author.
  60. Brunt KR, Zhang Y, Mihic A, Li M, Li S-H, Xue P, Zhang W, Basmaji S, Tsang K, Weisel RD, Yau TM, Li R-K. Role of WNT/β-catenin signaling in rejuvenation myogenic differentiation of aged mesenchymal stem cells from cardiac patients. American Journal of Pathology. 2012 Sep;181(6):2067-78. Senior Responsible Author.
  61. Sun Z, Lee CJ, Mejia-Guerrero S, Zhang Y, Higuchi K, Li R-K, Medin JA. Neonatal transfer of membrane-bound stem cell factor improves survival and heart function in aged mice following myocardial ischemia. Human Gene Therapy. 2012 Sep;23(12):1280-9. Senior Responsible Author.
  62. Hatta K, Huang ML, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Culture of rat endometrial telocytes. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. 2012 Jul;16(7):1392-6. Senior Responsible Author.
  63. Degousee N, Simpson J, Fazel S, Scholich K, Angoulvant D, Angioni C, Schimidt H, Korotkova M, Stefanski E, Wang XH, Lindsay TF, Ofek E, Pierre S, Butany J, Jakobsson PJ, Keating KA, Li R-K, Nahrendorf M, Geisslinger G, Backx PH, Rubin BB. Lack of microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 in bone marrow derived myeloid cells impairs left ventricular function and increases mortality after acute myocardial infarction. Circulation. 2012 Jun;125(23):2904-13. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  64. Xaymardan M, Sun Z, Hatta K, Tsukashita M, Konecny F, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Uterine cells are recruited to the infarcted heart and improve cardiac outcomes in female rats. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology. 2012 Jun;52(6):1265-73. Senior Responsible Author.
  65. Tian H, Huang M-L, Liu K-Y, Jia Z-B, Sun L, Jiang S-L, Liu W, McDonald Kinkaid H, Wu J, Li R-K. Inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase by cell-based TIMP-3 gene transfer effectively treats acute and chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy. Cell Transplantation. 2012 May;21(5):1039-53. Senior Responsible Author.
  66. Brunt KR, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Stem cells and regenerative medicine - future perspectives. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2012 Mar;90(3):327-35. Senior Responsible Author.
  67. Di Nardo P, Singla D, Li R-K. The challenges of stem cell therapy. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2012 Mar;90(3):273-4. Senior Responsible Author.
  68. Brunt K, Wu J, Chen Z, Poeckel D, Dercho R, Melo L, Funk C, Ward C, Li R-K. Ex vivo Akt/HO-1 gene therapy to human endothelial progenitor cells enhances myocardial infarction recovery. Cell Transplantation. 2012;21(7):1443-61. Senior Responsible Author.
  69. Fujii H, Li SH, Wu J, Miyagi Y, Yau TM, Rakowski H, Egashira K, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Repeated and targeted transfer of angiogenic plasmids into the infarcted rat heart via ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction enhances cardiac repair. European Heart Journal. 2011 Aug;32(16):2075-84. Senior Responsible Author.
  70. Ou L, Li W, Zhang Y, Wang W, Liu J, Sorg H, Furlani D, Gabel R, Mark P, Klopsch C, Wang L, Lutzow K, Lendlein A, Wagner K, Klee D, Liebold A, Li R-K, Kong D, Steinhoff G, Ma N. Intracardiac injection of matrigel induces stem cell recruitment and improves cardiac functions in a rat myocardial infarction model. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. 2011 Jun;15(6):1310-18. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  71. Wallenburg MA, Wu J, Li R-K, Vitkin IA. Two-photon microscopy of healthy, infarcted and stem-cell treated regenerating heart. Journal of Biophotonics. 2011 May;4(5):297-304. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  72. Miyagi Y, Chiu LL, Cimini M, Weisel RD, Radisic M, Li R-K. Biodegradable collagen patch with covalently immobilized VEGF for myocardial repair. Biomaterials. 2011 Feb;32(5):1280-90. Senior Responsible Author.
  73. Wu J, Zeng F, Huang XP, Chung JCY, Konecny F, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Infarct stabilization and cardiac repair with a VEGF-conjugated, injectable hydrogel. Biomaterials. 2011 Jan;32(2):579-86. Senior Responsible Author.
  74. Chiu LLY, Weisel RD, Li R-K, Radisic M. Defining conditions for covalent immobilization of angiogenic growth factors onto scaffolds for tissue engineering. Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. 2011 Jan;5(1):69-84. Senior Responsible Author.
  75. Huang X-P, Sun Z, Miyagi Y, McDonald Kinkaid HY, Zhang L, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Differentiation of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells induces immunogenicity and limits their long-term benefits for myocardial repair. Circulation. 2010 Dec;122(23):2419-29. Senior Responsible Author.
  76. Dhingra S, Huang X-P, Li R-K. Challenges in allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell-mediated cardiac repair. Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine. 2010 Nov;20(8):263-8. Senior Responsible Author.
  77. Miyagi Y, Zeng F, Huang XP, Foltz WD, Wu J, Mihic A, Yau TM, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Surgical ventricular restoration with a cell- and cytokine-seeded biodegradable scaffold. Biomaterials. 2010 Oct;31(30):7684-94. Senior Responsible Author.
  78. Ong L, Li W, Oldigs JK, Kaminski A, Gerstmayer B, Piechaczek C, Wagner W, Li R-K, Ma N, Steinhoff G. Hypoxic/normoxic preconditioning increases endothelial differentiation potential of human bone marrow CD 133+ cells. Tissue Engineering. 2010 Oct;16(5):1069-81. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  79. Sun Z, Zhang Y, Brunt KR, Wu J, Li SH, Fazel S, Weisel RD, Keating A, Li R-K. An adult uterine hemangioblast: evidence for extramedullary self-renewal and clonal bilineage potential. Blood. 2010 Oct;116(16):2932-41. Senior Responsible Author.
  80. Wang W, Li W, Ou L, Flick E, Mark P, Nesselmann C, Lux CA, Gatzen HH, Kaminski A, Liebold A, Lutzow K, Lendlein A, Li R-K, Steinhoff G, Ma N. Polyethylenimine-mediated gene delivery into human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from patients. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. 2010 Sep;15(9):1989-98. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  81. Fan M, Chen W, Liu W, Du GQ, Jiang SL, Tian WC, Sun L, Li R-K, Tian H. The effect of age on the efficacy of human mesenchymal stem cell transplantation after a myocardial infarction. Rejuvenation Research. 2010 Aug;13(4):429-38. Senior Responsible Author.
  82. Wood MFG, Ghosh N, Li SH, Weisel RD, Wilson BC, Li R-K, Vitkin IA. Polarization birefringence measurements for characterizing the myocardium, including healthy, infarcted, and stem-cell-regenerated tissues. Journal of Biomedical Optics. 2010 Jul;15(4):047009.1-9. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  83. He XQ, Chen MS, Li SH, Liu SM, Zhong Y, McDonald Kinkaid HY, Fazel S, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Co-culture with cardiomyocytes enhanced the myogenic conversion of mesenchymal stromal cells in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. 2010 Jun;339(1-2):89-98. Senior Responsible Author.
  84. Guo J, Li R-K, Weisel RD. Back to the bench: the rejuvenation of stem cell therapy-the therapeutic potential of CD133(+) progenitor cells. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2010 Jun;139(6):1369-70. Co-Principal Author.
  85. Kinkaid HY, Huang X-P, Li R-K, Weisel RD. What’s new in cell therapy? Allogeneic bone marrow stromal cells as “universal donor cells”. Journal of Cardiac Surgery. 2010 May;25(3):359-66. Co-Principal Author.
  86. Zhuo Y, Li SH, Chen MS, Wu J, McDonald Kinkaid HY, Fazel S, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Aging impairs the angiogenic response to ischemic injury and the activity of implanted cells: combined consequences for cell therapy in older recipients. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2010 May;139(5):1286-94. Senior Responsible Author.
  87. Pang Q, Zu JW, Siu GM, Li R-K. Design and development of a novel biostretch apparatus for tissue engineering. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering. 2010 Jan;132(1):014503.1-4. Senior Responsible Author.
  88. Wang W, Li W, Ong L-L, Furlani D, Kaminski A, Liebold A, Lutzow K, Lendein A, Wang J, Li R-K, Steinhoff G, Ma N. Localized SDF-1alpha gene release mediated by collagen substrate induces CD117+ stem cell homing. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. 2010 Jan;14(1-2):392-402. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  89. Rask F, Mihic A, Reis L, Dallabrida SM, Ismail NS, Sider K, Simmons CA, Rupnick MA, Weisel RD, Li R-K, Radisic M. Hydrogels modified with QHREDGS peptide support cardiomyocyte survival in vitro and after sub-cutaneous implantation. Soft Matter. 2010;6:5089-99. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  90. Pang Q, Zu JW, Siu GM, Li R-K. A uniaxial cyclic stretch apparatus affected cell proliferation and cell orientation. International Journal of Biomechatronics and Biomedical Robotics. 2010;1(2):79-87. Senior Responsible Author.
  91. Wang P, Wang Q, Sun J, Wu J, Li H, Zhang N, Huang Y, Su B, Li R-K, Liu L, Zhang Y, Elsholtz HP, Hu J, Gaisano Hy, Jin T. POU homeodomain protein Oct-1 functions as a sensor for cyclic AMP. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2009 Sep;284(39):26456-65. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  92. Xaymardan M, Cimini M, Fazel S, Weisel RD, Lu W-Y, Martin U, Harvey RP, Li R-K. c-kit function is necessary for in vitro myogenic differentiation of bone marrow hematopoietic cells. Stem Cells. 2009 Aug; 27(8):1911-20. Senior Responsible Author.
  93. Furlani D, Li W, Pittermann E, Klopsch C, Wang L, Knopp A, Jungebluth P, Thedinga E, Havenstein C, Westien I, Ugurlucan M, Li R-K, Ma N, Steinhoff G. A transformed cell population derived from cultured mesenchymal stem cells has no functional effect after transplantation into the injured heart. Cell Transplantation. 2009 Jul;18(3):319-31. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  94. Fujii H, Sun Z, Li S-H, Wu J, Fazel S, Weisel RD, Rakowski H, Linder J, Li R-K. Ultrasound-targeted gene delivery induces angiogenesis after a myocardial infarction in mice. Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Imaging. 2009 Jul;2(7):869-79. Senior Responsible Author.
  95. Li SH, Lai TY, Sun Z, Han M, Moriyama E, Wilson B, Fazel S, Weisel RD, Yau T, Wu JC, Li R-K. Tracking cardiac engraftment and distribution of implanted bone marrow cells: comparing intra-aortic, intravenous, and intramyocardial delivery. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2009 May;137(5):1225-33. Senior Responsible Author.
  96. Furlani D, Ugurlucan M, Ong L, Bieback K, Pittermann E, Westien I, Wang W, Yerebakan C, Li W, Gaebel R, Li R-K, Wollmar B, Steinhoff G, Ma N. Is the intravascular administration of mesenchymal stem cells safe? Mesenchymal stem cells and intravital microscopy. Microvascular Research. 2009 May;77(3):370-6. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  97. Klopsch C, Furlani D, Gabel R, Li W, Pittermann E, Ugurlucan M, Kundt G, Zingler C, Titze U, Wan W, Ong LL, Wagner K, Li R-K, Ma N, Steinhoff G. Intracardiac injection of erythropoietin induces stem cell recruitment and improves cardiac functions in a rat myocardial infarction model. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. 2009 Apr;13(4):664-79. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  98. Ghosh N, Wood MF, Li SH, Weisel RD, Wilson BC, Li R-K, Vitkin IA. Mueller matrix decomposition for polarized light assessment of biological tissues. Journal of Biophotonics. 2009 Mar;2(3):145-56. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  99. Angoulvant D, Fazel S, Weisel RD, Lai TYY, Fedak PW, Chen L, Rafati S, Seneviratne CK, Degousee N, Li R-K. Cell-based gene therapy modifies matrix remodeling after a myocardial infarction in tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3-deficient mice. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2009 Feb;137(2):471-80. Senior Responsible Author.
  100. Sun J, Li S-H, Liu SM, Wu J, Weisel RD, Zhou YF, Yau TM, Li R-K, Fazel SS. Improvement in cardiac function after bone marrow cell therapy is associated with an increase in myocardial inflammation. American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 2009 Jan;296(1): H43-50. Senior Responsible Author.
  101. Wu J, Zheng F, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Stem cells for cardiac regeneration by cell therapy and myocardial tissue engineering. Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology. 2009;114:107-28. Senior Responsible Author.
  102. Fazel SS, Angoulvant D, Butany J, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Mesenchymal stem cells engineered to overexpress stem cell factor improve cardiac function but have malignant potential. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2008 Nov;136(5):1388-9. Senior Responsible Author.
  103. Farahmand P, Lai T, Weisel RD, Fazel S, Yau T, Menasche P, Li R-K. Skeletal myoblasts preserve remote matrix architecture and global function when implanted early or late after coronary ligation into infarcted or remote myocardium. Circulation. 2008 Sep;118(14 Suppl): S130-7. Senior Responsible Author.
  104. Yoo KJ, Kim HO, Kwak YL, Kang SM, Jang YS, Lim SH, Hwang KC, Cho SW, Yang YS, Li R-K, Kim BS. Autologous bone marrow cell transplantation combined with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Canadian Journal of Surgery. 2008 Aug;51(4):269-75. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  105. Li W, Ma N, Ong LL, Kaminski A, Skrabal C, Ugurlucan M, Lorenz P, Gatzen HH, Lutzow K, Lendlein A, Putzer BM, Li R-K, Steinhoff G. Enhanced thoracic gene delivery by magnetic nanobead-mediated vector. Journal of Gene Medicine. 2008 Aug;10(8):897-909. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  106. Wu J, Sun Z, Sun H-S, Wu J, Weisel RD, Keating A, Li Z-H, Feng Z-P, Li R-K. Intravenously administered bone marrow cells migrate to damaged brain tissue and improve neural function in ischemic rats. Cell Transplantation. 2008 Jul;16(10):993-1005. Senior Responsible Author.
  107. Sun Z, Wu J, Fujii H, Wu J, Li SH, Porozov S, Belleli A, Fulga V, Porat Y, Li R-K. Human angiogenic cell precursors restore function in the infarcted rat heart: a comparison of cell delivery routes. European Journal of Heart Failure. 2008 Jun;10(6):525-33. Senior Responsible Author.
  108. Degousee N, Fazel S, Angoulvant D, Stefanski E, Pawelzik S-C, Korotkova M, Arab S, Liu T, Lindsay TF, Sun Z, Butany J, Li R-K, Audoly L, Schmidt R, Angioni C, Geisslinger G, Jakobsson P-J, Rubin BB. Microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 deletion leads to adverse left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. Circulation. 2008 Apr;117(13):1701-10. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  109. Fazel SS, Chen L, Angoulvant D, Li SH, Weisel RD, Keating A, Li R-K. Activation of c-kit is necessary for mobilization of reparative bone marrow progenitor cells in response to cardiac injury. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2008 Mar;22(3):930-40. Senior Responsible Author.
  110. Gruh I, Wunderlich S, Winkler M, Schwanke K, Heinke J, Blomer U, Ruhparwar A, Rohde B, Li R-K, Haverich A, Martin U. Human CMV immediate-early enhancer: a useful tool to enhance cell-type-specific expression from lentiviral vectors. Journal of Gene Medicine. 2008 Jan;10(1):21-32. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  111. Cimini M, Fazel S, Fujii H, Zhou S, Tang G, Weisel RD, Li R-K. The MRL mouse heart does not recover ventricular function after a myocardial infarction. Cardiovascular Pathology. 2008 Jan;17(1):32-9. Senior Responsible Author.
  112. Kim B-O, Verma S, Weisel RD, Fazel S, Jia Z-Q, Mizuno T, Li R-K. Preservation of heart function in diabetic rats by the combined effects of muscle cell implantation and insulin therapy. European Journal of Heart Failure. 2008 Jan;10(1):14-21. Senior Responsible Author.
  113. Wang X, Ellis JS, Kan C-D, Li R-K, Thompson M. Surface immobilisation and properties of smooth muscle cells monitored by on-line acoustic wave detector. The Analyst. 2008 Jan;133(1):85-92. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  114. Spiegelstein D, Kim C, Zhang Y, Li G, Weisel RD, Li R-K, Yau TM. Combined transmyocardial revascularization and cell-based angiogenic gene therapy increases transplanted cell survival. American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 2007 Dec;293(6): H3311-6. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  115. Tian H, Cimini M, Fedak PWM, Altamentova S, Fazel S, Huang M-L, Weisel RD, Li R-K. TIMP-3 deficiency accelerates cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology. 2007 Dec;43(6):733-43. Senior Responsible Author.
  116. Xie X, Cao F, Sheikh AY, Li Z, Connolly AJ, Pei X, Li R-K, Robbins RC, Wu JC. Genetic modification of embryonic stem cells with VEGF enhances cell survival and improves cardiac function. Cloning and Stem Cells. 2007 Nov;9(4):549-63. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  117. Cimini M, Fazel S, Zhuo S, Xaymardan M, Fujii H, Weisel RD, Li R-K. C-kit dysfunction impairs myocardial healing after infarction. Circulation. 2007 Sep;116(11 Suppl): I77-82. Senior Responsible Author.
  118. Kan C-D, Li S-H, Weisel RD, Zhang S, Li R-K. Recipient age determines the cardiac functional improvement achieved by skeletal myoblast transplantation. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2007 Sep;50(11):1086-92. Senior Responsible Author.
  119. Li W, Ma N, Ong L-L, Nesselmann C, Klopsch C, Ladilov Y, Furlani D, Piechaczek C, Moebius JM, Lutzow K, Lendlein A, Stamm C, Li R-K, Steinhoff G. Bcl-2 engineered MSCs inhibited apoptosis and improved heart function. Stem Cells. 2007 Aug;25(8):2118-27. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  120. Mamalias N, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Dorian P, Chauhan VS, Nanthakumar K. Cardiac myocyte transplantation does not increase global epicardial repolarization heterogeneity in a rat infarct model. Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation. 2007 Jun;26(6):630-6. Senior Responsible Author.
  121. Rideout TC, Yuan Z, Bakovic M, Liu Q, Li R-K, Mine Y, Fan MZ. Guar gum consumption increases hepatic nuclear SREBP2 and LDL receptor expression in pigs fed an atherogenic diet. Journal of Nutrition. 2007 Mar;137(3):568-72. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  122. Yau TM, Kim C, Li G, Zhang Y, Fazel S, Spiegelstein D, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Enhanced angiogenesis with multimodal cell-based gene therapy. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2007 Mar;83(3):1110-9. Senior Responsible Author.
  123. Wang CH, Verma S, Hsieh IC, Hung A, Cheng TT, Wang SY, Liu YC, Stanford WL, Weisel RD, Li R-K, Cherng WJ. Stem cell factor attenuates vascular smooth muscle apoptosis and increases intimal hyperplasia after vascular injury. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. 2007 Mar;27(3):540-7. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  124. Kim C, Li R-K, Li G, Zhang Y, Weisel RD, Yau TM. Effects of cell-based angiogenic gene therapy at 6 months: persistent angiogenesis and absence of oncogenicity. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2007 Feb;83(2):640-6. Co-Principal Author.
  125. Huang M-L, Tian H, Wu J, Matsubayashi K, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Myometrial cells induce angiogenesis and salvage damaged myocardium. American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 2006 Nov;291(5): H2057-66. Senior Responsible Author.
  126. Wang CH, Anderson N, Li S-H, Szmitko PE, Cherng WJ, Fedak PW, Fazel S, Li R-K, Yau TM, Weisel RD, Stanford WL, Verma S. Stem cell factor deficiency is vasculoprotective: unraveling a new therapeutic potential of imatinib mesylate. Circulation Research. 2006 Oct;99(6):617-25. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  127. Nakamura Y, Yasuda T, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Enhanced cell transplantation: preventing apoptosis increases cell survival and ventricular function. American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 2006 Aug;291(2): H939-47. Senior Responsible Author.
  128. Degousee N, Angoulvant D, Fazel S, Stefanski E, Saha S, Iliescu K, Lindsay TF, Fish JE, Marsden PA, Li R-K, Audoly LP, Jakobsson P-J, Rubin BB. c-Jun N-terminal kinase mediated stabilization of microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 mRNA regulates delayed microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 expression and prostaglandin E2 biosynthesis by cardiomyocytes. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2006 Jun;281(24):16443-52. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  129. Fazel S, Cimini M, Keating A, Weisel RD, Verma S, Fedak P, Li R-K. Cardioprotective c-kit+ cells are from the bone marrow and regulate the myocardial balance of angiogenic cytokines. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 2006 Jun;116(7):1865-77. Senior Responsible Author.
  130. Madani S, De Girolamo S, Munoz DM, Li R-K, Sweeney G. Direct effects of leptin on size and extracellular matrix components of human pediatric ventricular myocytes. Cardiovascular Research. 2006 Feb;69(3):716-25. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  131. Fedak PWM, Moravec CS, McCarthy PM, Altamentova SM, Wong AP, Skrtic M, Verma S, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Altered expression of disintegrin metalloproteinases and their inhibitor in human dilated cardiomyopathy. Circulation. 2006 Jan;113(2):238-45. Senior Responsible Author.
  132. Fazel S, Chen L, Weisel RD, Angoulvant D, Seneviratne C, Fazel A, Cheung P, Lam J, Fedak PWM, Yau TM, Li R-K. Cell transplantation preserves cardiac function after infarction by infarct stabilization: augmentation by stem cell factor. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2005 Nov;130(5):1310. Senior Responsible Author.
  133. Fedak PWM, Szmitko PE, Weisel RD, Altamentova SM, Nili N, Ohno N, Verma S, Fazel S, Strauss BH, Li R-K. Cell transplantation preserves matrix homeostasis: a novel paracrine mechanism. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2005 Nov;130(5):1430-9. Senior Responsible Author.
  134. Yau TM, Kim C, Ng D, Li G, Zhang Y, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Increasing transplanted cell survival with cell-based angiogenic gene therapy. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2005 Nov;80(5):1779-86. Senior Responsible Author.
  135. Zhang H, Fazel S, Tian H, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Fujii T, Li R-K. Increasing donor age adversely impacts beneficial effects of bone marrow but not smooth muscle myocardial cell therapy. American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 2005 Nov;289(5): H2089-96. Senior Responsible Author.
  136. Wang C-H, Li S-H, Weisel RD, Fedak PW, Hung A, Li R-K, Rao V, Hyland K, Cherng W-J, Errett L, Leclerc Y, Bonneau D, Latter D, Verma S. Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency exaggerates intimal hyperplasia after vascular injury. American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. 2005 Aug;289(2): R299-304. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  137. Kim B-O, Tian H, Prasongsukarn K, Wu J, Angoulvant D, Wnendt S, Muhs A, Spitkovsky D, Li R-K. Cell transplantation improves ventricular function after a myocardial infarction: a pre-clinical study of human unrestricted somatic stem cells in a porcine model. Circulation. 2005 Aug;112(9 Suppl): I96-I104. Senior Responsible Author.
  138. Mizuno T, Yau TM, Weisel RD, Kiani CG, Li R-K. Elastin stabilizes an infarct and preserves ventricular function. Circulation. 2005 Aug;112(9 Suppl): I81-I88. Senior Responsible Author.
  139. Yau TM, Kim C, Li G, Zhang Y, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Maximizing ventricular function with multimodal cell-based gene therapy. Circulation. 2005 Aug;112(9 Suppl): I123-8. Senior Responsible Author.
  140. Mizuno T, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Reloading the heart: a new animal model of left ventricular assist device removal. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2005 Jul;130(1):99-106. Senior Responsible Author.
  141. Fazel S, Tang GHL, Angoulvant D, Cimini M, Weisel RD, Li R-K, Yau TM. Current status of cellular therapy for ischemic heart disease. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2005 Jun;79(6): S2238-47. Senior Responsible Author.
  142. Mizuno T, Mickle DAG, Kiani CG, Li R-K. Overexpression of elastin fragments in infarcted myocardium attenuates scar expansion and heart dysfunction. American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 2005 Jun;288(6): H2819-27. Senior Responsible Author.
  143. Yau TM, Li G, Zhang Y, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Li R-K. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor upregulation in response to cell-based angiogenic gene therapy. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2005 Jun;79(6):2056-63. Senior Responsible Author.
  144. Yasuda T, Weisel RD, Kiani C, Mickle DAG, Maganti M, Li R-K. Quantitative analysis of survival of transplanted smooth muscle cell with real -time polymerase chain reaction. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2005 Apr;129(4):904-11. Senior Responsible Author.
  145. Liu T-B, Fedak PWM, Yasuda T, Kiani CG, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Jia Z-Q, Li R-K. Enhanced IGF-1 expression improves smooth muscle cell engraftment after cell transplantation. American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 2004 Dec;287(6): H2840-9. Senior Responsible Author.
  146. Fedak PWM, Smookler D, Kassiri Z, Ohno N, Leco K, Verma S, Mickle DAG, Watson KL, Hojilla CV, Cruz W, Weisel RD, Li R-K, Khokha R. TIMP-3 deficiency leads to dilated cardiomyopathy. Circulation. 2004 Oct;110(16):2401-9. Senior Responsible Author.
  147. Angoulvant D, Fazel S, Li R-K. Neovascularization derived from cell transplantation in ischemic myocardium. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. 2004 Sep;264(1-2):133-42. Senior Responsible Author.
  148. Yoo K-Y, Kim H-O, Kwak Y-L, Kang S-M, Jang Y-S, Lim S-H, Ahn J-Y, Li R-K. Autologous bone marrow cell transplantation combined with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in human ischemic myocardium. Yonsei Medical Journal. 2004 Jun;45:73. Senior Responsible Author.
  149. Verma S, Rao V, Weisel RD, Li SH, Fedak PW, Miriuka S, Li R-K. Novel cardioprotective effects of pravastation in human ventricular cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxia and reoxygenation: beneficial effects of statins independent of endothelial cells. Journal of Surgical Research. 2004 Jun;119(1):66-71. Senior Responsible Author.
  150. Verma S, Li S-H, Wang C-H, Fedak PWM, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG. Resistin promotes endothelial cell activation further evidence of adipokine-endothelial interaction. Circulation. 2004 May;108(6):736-40. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  151. Tajmir P, Ceddia RB, Li R-K, Coe IR, Sweeney G. Leptin increases cardiomyocyte hyperplasia via extracellular signal-regulated kinase-and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent signaling pathways. Endocrinology. 2004 Apr;145(4):1550-5. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  152. Yau TM, Li GM, Weisel RD, Reheman A, Jia ZQ, Mickle DAG, Li R-K. Vascular endothelial growth factor transgene expression in cell-transplanted hearts. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2004 Apr;127(4):1180-7. Senior Responsible Author.
  153. Wang CH, Ciliberti N, Li SH, Szmitko PE, Weisel RD, Fedak PW, Al-Omran M, Cherng WJ, Li R-K, Stanford WL, Verma S. Rosiglitazone facilitates angiogenic progenitor cell differentiation toward endothelial lineage: a new paradigm in glitazone pleiotropy. Circulation. 2004 Mar;109(11):1392-400. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  154. Li SH, Szmitko PE, Weisel RD, Wang CH, Fedak PW, Li R-K, Mickle DA, Verma S. C-reactive protein upregulates complement-inhibitory factors in endothelial cells. Circulation. 2004 Feb;109(7):833-6. Principal Author.
  155. Ozawa T, Mickle DA, Weisel RD, Matsubayashi K, Fujii T, Fedak PW, Koyama N, Ikada Y, Li R-K. Tissue-engineered grafts matured in the right ventricular outflow tract. Cell Transplantation. 2004;13(2):169-77. Senior Responsible Author.
  156. Yoo KY, Kim HO, Kwak YL, Kang SM, Jang YS, Lim SH, Ahn JY, Li R-K. Autologous bone marow cell transplantation combined with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in human ishemic myocardium. Yonsei Medical Journal. 2004;95(Suppl):73. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  157. Fujii T, Yau TM, Weisel RD, Ohno N, Mickle DAG, Shiono N, Ozawa T, Matsubayashi K, Li R-K. Cell transplantation to prevent heart failure: a comparison of cell types. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2003 Dec;76(6):2062-70. Senior Responsible Author.
  158. Verma S, Badiwala MV, Weisel RD, Li S-H, Wang CH, Fedak PW, Li R-K, Mickle DAG. C-reactive protein activates the nuclear factor-kappaB signal transduction pathway in saphenous vein endothelial cells: implantations for atherosclerosis and restenosis. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2003 Dec;126(6):1886-91. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  159. Ohno N, Fedak PWM, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Fujii T, Li R-K. Transplantation of cryopreserved muscle cells in dilated cardiomyopathy: effects on left ventricular geometry and function. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2003 Nov;126(5):1537-48. Senior Responsible Author.
  160. Matsubayashi K, Fedak PWM, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Ozawa T, Li R-K. Improved left ventricular aneurysm repair with bioengineered vascular smooth muscle grafts. Circulation. 2003 Sep;108 Suppl 1: II219-25. Senior Responsible Author.
  161. Tang HL, Fedak PWM, Yau TM, Weisel RD, Kulik A, Mickle DAG, Li R-K. Cell transplantation to improve ventricular function in the failing heart. European Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery. 2003 Jun;23(6):907-16. Senior Responsible Author.
  162. Dhillon B, Badiwala MV, Li S-H, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Fedak PWM, Rao V, Verma S. Caveolin: a key target for modulating nitric oxide availability in health and disease. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. 2003 May;247(1-2):101-9. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  163. Wang C-H, Li S-H, Weisel RD, Fedak PWM, Dumont AS, Szmitko P, Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Verma S. C-reactive protein upregulates angiotensin type 1 receptors in vascular smooth muscle. Circulation. 2003 Apr;107(13):1783-90. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  164. Verma S, Wang C-H, Weisel RD, Badiwala MV, Li S-H, Fedak PWM, Li R-K, Mickle DAG. Hyperglycemia potentiates the proatherogenic effects of c-reactive protein: reversal with rosiglitazone. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology. 2003 Apr;35(4):417-9. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  165. Fedak PWM, Altamentova SM, Weisel RD, Nili N, Ohno N, Verma S, Lee T-Y, Mickle DAG, Strauss BH, Li R-K. Matrix remodeling in experimental and human heart failure a possible regulatory role for TIMP-3. American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 2003 Feb;284(2): H626-34. Senior Responsible Author.
  166. Yau TM, Tomita S, Weisel RD, Jia Z-Q, Tumiati L, Mickle DAG, Li R-K. Beneficial effect of autologous cell transplantation on infarcted heart function: comparison between bone marrow stromal cells and heart cells. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2003 Jan;75(1):169-76. Senior Responsible Author.
  167. Yokomuro H, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Optimal conditions for heart cell cryopreservation for transplantation. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. 2003 Jan;242(1-2):109-14. Senior Responsible Author.
  168. Ozawa T, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Koyama N, Wong H, Ozawa S, Li R-K. Histologic changes of non-biodegradable and biodegradable biomaterials used to repair right ventricular heart defects in rats. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2002 Dec;124(6):1157-64. Senior Responsible Author.
  169. Ohno N, Fedak PWM, Weisel RD, Komeda M, Mickle DAG, Li R-K. Cell transplantation in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. A novel biological approach for ventricular restoration. Japanese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2002 Nov;50(11):457-60. Senior Responsible Author.
  170. Akhyari P, Fedak PWM, Weisel RD, Lee JYJ, Verma S, Mickle DAG, Li R-K. Mechanical stretch regimen enhanced the formation of bioengineered autologous cardiac muscle grafts. Circulation. 2002 Sep;106(12 Suppl 1): I137-42. Senior Responsible Author.
  171. Ozawa T, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Koyama N, Ozawa S, Li R-K. Optimal biomaterial for creation of autologous cardiac grafts. Circulation. 2002 Sep;106(12 Suppl 1): I176-82. Senior Responsible Author.
  172. Sakakibara Y, Tambara K, Lu FL, Nishina T, Sakaguchi G, Nagaya N, Nishimura K, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Komeda M. Combined procedure of surgical repair and cell transplantation for left ventricular aneurysm: an experimental study. Circulation. 2002 Sep;106(12 Suppl 1): I193-7. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  173. Verma S, Wang C-H, Li S-H, Weisel RD, Dumont AS, Fedak PWM, Badiwala MV, Dhillon B, Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Stewart DJ. A self-fulfilling prophecy: c-reactive protein attenuates nitric oxide production and inhibits angiogenesis. Circulation. 2002 Aug;106(8):913-9. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  174. Tomita S, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Jia Z-Q, Tumiati LC, Allidina Y, Liu P, Li R-K. Improved heart function with myogenesis and angiogenesis after autologous porcine bone marrow stromal cell transplantation. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2002 Jun;123(6):1132-40. Senior Responsible Author.
  175. Verma S, Maitland A, Weisel RD, Fedak PWM, Li S-H, Mickle DAG, Li R-K, Ko L, Rao V. Increased endothelin-1 production in diabetic patients after cardioplegic arrest and reperfusion impairs coronary vascular reactivity: reversal by means of endothelin antagonism. Journal of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery. 2002 Jun;123(6):1114-9. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  176. Verma S, Maitland A, Weisel RD, Fedak PWM, Pomroy NC, Li S-H, Mickle DAG, Li R-K, Rao V. Novel cardioprotective effects of tetrahydrobiopterin after anoxia and reoxygenation: identifying cellular targets for pharmacologic manipulation. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2002 Jun;123(6):1074-83. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  177. Verma S, Maitland A, Weisel RD, Li S-H, Fedak PWM, Pomroy NC, Mickle DAG, Li R-K, Ko L, Rao V. Hyperglycemia exaggerates ischemia-reperfusion-induced cardiomyocyte injury: reversal with endothelin antagonism. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2002 Jun;123(6):1120-4. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  178. Yoo K-J, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Tomita S, Ohno N, Fujii T. Smooth muscle cells transplantation is better than heart cells transplantation for improvement of heart function in dilated cardiomyopathy. Yonsei Medical Journal. 2002 Jun;43(3):296-303. Senior Responsible Author.
  179. Verma S, Li S-H, Badiwala MV, Weisel RD, Fedak PWM, Li R-K, Dhillon B, Mickle DAG. Endothelin antagonism and interleukin-6 inhibition attenuate the proatherogenic effects of c-reactive protein. Circulation. 2002 Apr;105(16):1890-6. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  180. Shiono N, Rao V, Weisel RD, Kawasaki M, Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Fedak PWM, Tumiati LC, Ko L, Verma S. L- Arginine protects human heart cells from low-volume anoxia and reoxygenation. American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 2002 Mar;282(3): H805-15. Senior Responsible Author.
  181. Li GM, Borger MA, Williams WG, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Wigle D, Li R-K. Regional overexpression of IGF-1 and TFG-B1 in the myocardium of patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2002 Jan;123(1):89-95. Senior Responsible Author.
  182. Merante F, Altamentova SM, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Thatcher BJ, Martin BM, Marshall JG, Tumiati LC, Cowan DB, Li R-K. The characterization and purification of a human transcription factor modulating the glutathione peroxidase gene in response to oxygen tension. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. 2002 Jan;229(1-2):73-83. Principal Author.
  183. Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Jia Z-Q, Rao V. Optimal time for cardiomyocyte transplantation to maximize myocardial function after left ventricular injury. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2001 Dec;72(6):1957-63. Senior Responsible Author.
  184. Kim EJ, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Jia Z-Q, Tomita S, Sakai T, Yau TM. Angiogenesis by endothelial cell transplantation. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2001 Nov;122(5):963-71. Senior Responsible Author.
  185. Yau TM, Fung K, Weisel RD, Fujii T, Mickle DAG, Li R-K. Enhanced myocardial angiogenesis by gene transfer with transplanted cells. Circulation. 2001 Sep;104(12 Suppl 1): I218-22. Senior Responsible Author.
  186. Sakai T, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Kim EJ, Jia Z-Q, Yau TM. The fate of a tissue engineered cardiac graft in the right ventricular outflow tract of the rat. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2001 May;121(5):932-42. Senior Responsible Author.
  187. Yokomuro H, Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Yau T. Transplantation of cryopreserved cardiomyocytes. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2001 Jan;121(1):98-107. Senior Responsible Author.
  188. Yoo KY, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Jia Z-Q, Kim EJ, Tomita S, Yau TM. Heart cell transplantation improves heart function in dilated cardiomyopathic hamsters. Circulation. 2000 Nov;102(19 Suppl 3): III204-9. Senior Responsible Author.
  189. Yoo KY, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Li GM, Kim EJ, Tomita S, Yau TM. Autologous smooth muscle cell transplantation improved function in dilated cardiomyopathy. Annals Thoracic Surgery. 2000 Sep;70(3):859-65. Senior Responsible Author.
  190. Shahani R, Marshall JG, Rubin BB, Li R-K, Walker PM, Lindsay TF. Role of TNF-alpha in myocardial dysfunction after hemorrhagic shock and lower-torso ischemia. American Journal of Physiology. 2000 Mar;278(3): H942-50. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  191. Li R-K, Yau T, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Sakai T, Choi A, Jia Z-Q. Construction of a bioengineered cardiac graft. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2000 Feb;119(2):368-75. Senior Responsible Author.
  192. Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Jia Z-Q, Kim EJ, Sakai T, Tomita S, Schwartz L, Iwanochko M, Husain M, Cusimano R, Burns R, Yau T. Autologous porcine heart cell transplantation improved heart function after a myocardial infarction. The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2000 Jan;119(1):62-8. Senior Responsible Author.
  193. Sakai T, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Kim EJ, Tomita S, Jia Z-Q. Autologous heart cell transplantation improves cardiac function after myocardial injury. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 1999 Dec;68(6):2074-81. Senior Responsible Author.
  194. Tomita S, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Jia ZQ. Autologous transplantation of bone marrow cells improves damaged heart function. Circulation. 1999 Nov;100(19 Suppl): II247-56. Senior Responsible Author.
  195. Li R-K, Jia Z-Q, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Choi A. Survival and function of bioengineered cardiac grafts. Circulation. 1999 Nov;100(19 Suppl): II63-9. Senior Responsible Author.
  196. Sakai T, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Jia Z-Q, Tomita S, Kim EJ, Yau T. Fetal cell transplantation: a comparison of three cell types. The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 1999 Oct;118(4):715-24. Senior Responsible Author.
  197. Li R-K, Jia Z-Q, Weisel RD, Merante F, Mickle DAG. Smooth muscle cell transplantation into myocardial scar tissue improves heart function. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology. 1999 Mar;31(3):513-22. Senior Responsible Author.
  198. Liu M, Shahram M, Jedlovsky T, Van Wert R, Zhang J, Li R-K, Yan J. Bio-stretch, a computerized cell strain apparatus for three dimensional organotypic cultures. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology. 1999 Feb;35(2):87-93. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  199. Li GM, Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Merante F, Ball WT, Christakis GT, Cusimano RJ, Williams WG. Elevated insulin like growth factor-1 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 and their receptors in patients with idiopathic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: a possible mechanism. Circulation. 1998 Nov;98(19 Suppl):144-50. Senior Responsible Author.
  200. Merante F, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Li R-K, Tumiati LC, Rao V, Williams WG, Robinson BH. Myocardial aerobic metabolism is impaired in a cell culture model of cyanotic heart disease. American Journal of Physiology. 1998 Nov;275(5 Pt 2): H1673-81. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  201. Cohen G, Shirai T, Weisel RD, Rao V, Merante F, Tumiati LC, Mohabeer MK, Borger MA, Li R-K, Mickle DAG. Optimal myocardial preconditioning in a human model of ischemia and reperfusion. Circulation. 1998 Nov;98(19 Suppl):184-96. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  202. Rao V, Mernate F, Weisel RD, Shirai T, Ikonomidis JS, Cohen G, Tumiati LC, Shiono N, Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Robinson BH. Insulin stimulates pyruvate dehydrogenase and protects human ventricular cardiomyocytes from simulated ischemia. Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery. 1998 Sep;116(3):485-94. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  203. Shirai T, Rao V, Weisel RD, Ikonomidis JS, Li R-K, Tumiati LC, Merante F, Mickle DAG. Preconditioning human cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 1998 Jan;115(1):210-9. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  204. Li R-K, Sole MJ, Mickle DAG, Schimmer J, Goldstein D. Vitamin E and oxidative stress in the heart of the cardiomyopathic syrian hamster. Free Radical Biology and Medicine. 1998 Jan;24(2):252-8. Principal Author.
  205. Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Mohabeer MK, Zhang J, Rao V, Jia Z-Q. Natural history of fetal rat cardiomyocytes transplanted into adult rat myocardial scar tissue. Circulation. 1997 Nov;96(9 Suppl):179-87. Principal Author.
  206. Li R-K, Li GM, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Merante F, Luss H, Rao V, Christakis GT, Williams WG. Overexpression of transforming growth factor-beta1 and insulin-like growth factor-I in patients with idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Circulation. 1997 Aug;96(3):874-81. Principal Author.
  207. Jia Z-Q, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Mohabeer MK, Merante F, Rao V, Li G, Li R-K. Transplanted cardiomyocytes survive in scar tissue and improve heart function. Transplantation Proceedings. 1997 Jun;29(4):2093-4. Senior Responsible Author.
  208. Luss H, Li R-K, Shapiro RA, Tzeng E, McGowan FX, Yoneyama T, Hatakeyama K, Geller DA, Mickle DAG, Simmons RL, Billiar TR. Dedifferentiated human ventricular cardiac myocytes express inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA but not protein in response to IL-1, TNF, IFN and LPS. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology. 1997 Apr;29(4):1153-65. Co-Principal Author.
  209. Ikonomidis JS, Shirai T, Weisel RD, Derylo B, Rao V, Whitesi de CI, Mickle DAG, Li R-K. Preconditioning cultured human pediatric myocytes requires adenosine and protein kinase C. American Journal Physiology. 1997 Mar;272(HCP41): H1220-30. Senior Responsible Author.
  210. Li R-K, Jia Z-Q, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Zhang J, Mohabeer MK, Rao V, Ivanov J. Cardiomyocyte transplantation improves heart function. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 1996 Sep;62(3):654-60. Senior Responsible Author.
  211. Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Carson S, Omar SA, Tumiati LC, Wilson G, Williams WG. Human pediatric and adult ventricular cardiomyocytes in culture: assessment of phenotypic changes with passaging. Cardiovascular Research. 1996 Aug;32(2):362-73. Senior Responsible Author.
  212. Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Zhang J, Mohabeer MK. In vivo survival and function of transplanted rat cardiomyocytes. Circulation Research. 1996 Feb;78(2):283-8. Senior Responsible Author.
  213. Li R-K, Cowan DB, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Burton GW. Effect of vitamin E on human glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX1) expression in cardiomyocytes. Free Radical Biology and Medicine. 1996;21(4):419-26. Senior Responsible Author.
  214. Fremes SE, Furukawa RD, Zhang J, Li R-K, Tumiati LC, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG. Cardiac storage with University of Wisconsin solution and a nucleoside-transport blocker. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 1995 May;59(5):1127-33. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  215. Ikonomidis JS, Tumiati LC, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Li R-K. Preconditioning human ventricular cardiomyocytes with brief periods of simulated ischaemia. Cardiovascular Research. 1994 Aug;28(8):1285-91. Co-Principal Author.
  216. Li R-K, Shaikh N, Weisel RD, Williams WG, Mickle DAG. Oxyradical-induced antioxidant and lipid changes in cultured human cardiomyocytes. American Journal of Physiology. 1994 Jun;266(H35): H2204-11. Principal Author.
  217. Tumiati LC, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Williams WG, Li R-K. An in vitro model to study myocardial ischemic injury. Journal of Tissue Culture Methods. 1994;16(1):1-9. Principal Author.
  218. Zielenski J, Wu TW, Fung K-P, Zeng L-H, Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Wu J. Chemical syntheses of Trolox conjugates which protect human ventricular myocytes against in situ-generated oxyradicals. European Journal of Pharmacology. 1993 Dec;248(4):313-8. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  219. Fremes SE, Furukawa RD, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Tumiati LC. Comparison of two experimental models for assessment of cardiac preservation. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 1993 Jan;55(1):144-50. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  220. Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Tumiati LC, Weisel RD. Isolation of cardiomyocytes from human myocardium for primary cell culturing. Journal of Tissue Culture Method. 1993;15(3):147-54. Principal Author.
  221. Shi Q-W, Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Jackowski G. Analysis of the upstream regulatory region of human ventricular myosin light chain 1 gene. Journal of Molecular Cellular Cardiology. 1992 Nov;24(11):1221-9. Co-Principal Author.
  222. Fremes SE, Furukawa RD, Li R-K, Tumiati LC, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG. In vitro assessment of the effects of glucose added to the University of Wisconsin solution on myocyte preservation. Circulation. 1992 Nov;86(11):289-94. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  223. Teoh KH, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Li R-K, Tumiati LC, Cole JG, Williams WG. Effect of oxygen tension on the myocardial antioxidant enzyme activities in Tetralogy of Fallot and adult aortocoronary bypass patients. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 1992 Jul;104(1):159-64. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  224. Li R-K, Shaikh N, Weisel RD, Tumiati LC, Wu TW, Mickle DAG. Cultured vascular endothelial cell susceptibility to extracellularly generated oxidant injury. Journal of Molecular Cellular Cardiology. 1992 Jun;24(6):595-604. Principal Author.
  225. Li R-K, Weisel RD, Williams WG, Mickle DAG. Method of culturing cardiomyocytes from human pediatric ventricular myocardium. Journal of Tissue Culture Methods. 1992;14(2):93-100. Principal Author.
  226. Fremes SE, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Tumiati LC. Prolonged hypothermic cardiac storage with University of Wisconsin solution: an assessment with human cell cultures. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 1991 Nov;102(5):666-72. Co-Principal Author.
  227. Wu TW, Wu J, Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Carey D. Albumin-bound bilirubins protect human ventricular myocytes against oxyradical damage. Biochemistry Cell Biology. 1991 Oct;69(10-11):683-8. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  228. Fremes SE, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Furukawa RD, Tumiati LC. The limits of cardiac preservation with University of Wisconsin solution. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 1991 Oct;52(4):1021-5. Co-Principal Author.
  229. Fremes SE, Furukawa RD, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Tumiati LC. Prolonged preservation with University of Wisconsin solution. Journal of Surgical Research. 1991 Apr;50(4):330-4. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  230. Mickle DAG, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Tumiati LC, Wu TW. Water-soluble antioxidant specificity against free radical injury using cultured human ventricular myocytes and fibroblasts and saphenous vein endothelial cells. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology. 1990 Nov;22(11):1297-304. Principal Author.
  231. Wu TW, Hashimoto N, Wu J, Carey D, Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD. The cytoprotective effect of Trolox demonstrated with three types of human cells. Biochemistry Cell Biology. 1990 Oct;68(10):1189-94. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  232. Teoh KH, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Tumiati LC. Mitochondrial function after 24 hours of storage with University of Wisconsin solution. Surgical Forum. 1990;41:252-4. Co-Principal Author.
  233. Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Tumiati LC, Wu TW. Effect of oxygen tension on the anti-oxidant enzyme activities of Tetralogy of Fallot ventricular myocytes. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology. 1989 Jun;21(6):567-75. Principal Author.
  234. Mickle DAG, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Wu TW, Jackowski G, Ingold KU. Myocardial salvage with trolox and ascorbic acid for an acute evolving infarction. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 1989 Apr;47(4):553-7. Principal Author.
  235. Fremes SE, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, Tumiati LC. Improved hypothermic storage with University of Wisconsin solution. Surgical Forum. 1989;40:246-8. Co-Principal Author.
  236. Li R-K, Xin Q. Induction of sister chromosome exchange by heavy metal ions in V79. Journal of Environmental Health. 1988;4:5-9. Principal Author.
Book Chapters
  1. Dhingra S, Wesiel RD, Li R-K. Synthesis of aliphatic polyster hydrogel for cardiac tissue engineering. In: Radsic M, Black III LD, editor(s). Cardiac Tissue Engineering: Methods and Protocols. 1181. Springer; 2014. p. 51-59. Senior Responsible Author.
  2. Singh K, Brunt KR, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Optimizing stem cell therapy for cardiac repair following a myocardial infarction. In: Jugdutt BI, Dhalla NS, editor(s). Cardiac Remodeling: Molecular Mechanisms (Advances in Biochemistry in Health and Disease). New York Heidelberg Dordrecht London: Springer; 2013. p. 513-524. Senior Responsible Author.
  3. Chung JCY, Mihic A, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Injectable scaffolds for cardiac regeneration. In: Wang P, Kuo C-H, Takeda N, Singal PK, editor(s). Adaptation Biology and Medicine: Cell Adaptations and Challenges. Vol 6. New Delhi (India): Narosa Publishing House; 2011. p. 1-15. Senior Responsible Author.
  4. Cimini M, Tang G, Fazel S, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Tissue engineering applications for cardiovascular substitutes. In: Ulrich Meyer, Thomas Meyer, Jorg Handschel, Hans Peter Weismann, editor(s). Fundamentals of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. Leipzig (Germany): Springer Berlin Heidelberg; 2009. p. 887-911. Senior Responsible Author.
  5. Wu J, Zeng F, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Stem cells for cardiac regeneration by cell therapy and myocardial tissue engineering. In: Ulrich Martin, editor(s). Engineering of Stem Cells (Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology). (Germany): Springer Berlin Heidelberg; 2009. p. 107-28. Senior Responsible Author.
  6. Xaymardan M, Cimini M, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Bone marrow stem cells: properties and pluripotency. In: Anthony Atala, Robert Lanza, James Thomson, Robert Nerem, editor(s). Principles of Regenerative Medicine. Burlington: Academic Press - Elsevier; 2008. p. 268-283. Senior Responsible Author.
  7. Li R-K, Dann C-K. Current status & new trends in cardiovascular surgery: cellular therapy for heart failure. In: Wan S, Yim APC, editor(s). Cardiothoracic Surgery in China: Past, Present, and Future. (Hong Kong): Chinese University Press; 2007. p. 322-53. Senior Responsible Author.
  8. Fazel S, Fedak P, Weisel RD, Angoulvant D, Yau TM, Li R-K. Cell transplantation: The new frontier. In: Raizada MK, Paton JFR, Katovich MJ, Kasparov S, editor(s). Cardiovascular Genomics. Totawa: The Humana Press Inc; 2005. p. 325-344. Senior Responsible Author.
  9. Fedak PWM, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Cell transplantation for cardiovascular disease. In: Sellke FW, del Nido PJ, Swanson SJ, editor(s). Sabiston & Spencer Surgery of the Chest. 7th Edition. Volume 1. Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders; 2005. p. 1711-1722. Senior Responsible Author.
  10. Fedak PWM, Zhang H, Li R-K. Cell transplantation for therapeutic angiogenesis. In: Kipshidze N, Serruys P, editor(s). Handbook of Cardiac Cell Transplantation. London (United Kingdom): Martin Dunitz Limited; 2005. p. 165-182. Senior Responsible Author.
  11. Ozawa T, Li R-K. Regeneration of myocardium. In: Yoshito Ikada, editor(s). Cutting-Edge Engineering for Regenerative Medicine. (Japan): CMC Publishing Co. Ltd; 2002. p. 139-146. Senior Responsible Author.
  12. Li R-K. Cardiomyocytes. In: Koller MR, Palsson BO, Masters JRW, editor(s). Human cell culture. Vol 5. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers; 2001. p. 103-124. Senior Responsible Author.
  13. Yau TM, Li R-K, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG. Heart cell transplantation for the failing heart. In: Larry W. Stephenson, MD, Jeffrey L. Rodengen, editor(s). State of the Heart The Practical Guide to Your Heart and Heart Surgery. Fort Lauderdale: Write Stuff Enterprises, Inc; 1999. p. 202-203. Co-Principal Author.
  14. Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD. Fetal cardiomyocyte transplantation. In: Kao RL, Chiu RC-J, editor(s). Cellular Cardiomyoplasty: Myocardial Repair with Cell Implantation. Austin (Texas): R.G. Landes Co. Publisher; 1997. p. 57-80. Principal Author.
  15. Ikonomidis JS, Shiral T, Rao V, Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD. Preconditioning in human ventricular myocytes. In: Marber M, Yellon DM, editor(s). Ischaemia: Preconditioning and Adaptation. Oxford: BIOS Scientific Publishers Limited; 1996. p. 298-330. Coauthor or Collaborator.
  16. Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Weisel RD, Mohabeer MK, Zhang J. Cardiac cell transplantation. In: Singal PK, Dixon IMC, Beamish RE, Dhalla NS, editor(s). Mechanisms of Heart Failure. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publisher; 1995. p. 137-147. Principal Author.
Editorials
  1. Li R-K. Intrinsic cardiac stem cells are essential for regeneration. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2016 Aug 1;152(2). Impact Factor 3.494. Senior Responsible Author.
  2. Cui Z, Li R-K. Feeling Isolated? Bridging communications between host myocardium and skeletral myoblast. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2015 Jan;149(1):357-9. Impact Factor 4.168. Senior Responsible Author.
  3. Li R-K, Guo J. Single Nucleotide variances can account for loss of microRNA function. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2014 Jul 22;64(3):278-280. Senior Responsible Author.
  4. Tang GHL, Fazel S, Weisel RD, Verma S, Li R-K. Optimizing cardiac cell therapy: from processing to delivery. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2005 Oct;130(4):966-8. Senior Responsible Author.
  5. Yang S, Fazel S, Angoulvant D, Weisel RD, Li R-K. Cell transplantation for heart disease: the clinical perspective. Evidence-Based Cardiovascular Medicine. 2005 Mar;9(1):2-7. Senior Responsible Author.
  6. Fazel S, Weisel RD, Li R-K. The promise of tissue engineering in the heart. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2003;126(6):2114-5. Senior Responsible Author.
  7. Weisel RD, Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Yau TM. Cell transplantation comes of age. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2001 May;121(5):835-6. Principal Author.
  8. Weisel RD, Li R-K, Mickle DAG, Yau TM. Cell transplantation comes of age. Journal of Thoracic and Carsdio9ovascular Surgery. 2001;121:835-6. Co-Principal Author.
  9. Li R-K, Yau TM. Patch augmentation of the pulmonary artery with bioabsorbable polymers and autologous cell seeding. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2000 Dec;120(6):1168. Senior Responsible Author.
  10. Li R-K; Yau TM. Patch augmentation of the pulmonary artery with bioabsorbable polymers and autologous cell seeding. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascuar Surgery. 2000;120:1168. Principal Author.
  11. Li R-K. Can cellular transplantation improve function in doxorubicin-induced heart failure? Circulation. 1998 Nov;98(19 Suppl):155-6. Senior Responsible Author.
  12. Li R-K. Can cellular transplantation improve function in Doxorubicin - Induced heart failure. Circulation. 1998;98 (Suppl):155-256. Principal Author.
  13. Li R-K. A novel strategy for myocardial protection using in vivo transfection of element ‘Decoy’ against NFkB binding site: Evidence for a role of NFkB in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Circulation. 1997 Nov;96(9 Suppl):285. Senior Responsible Author.
  14. Li R-K. A novel strategy for myocardial protection using in vivo transfection of ‘Decoy’ against NFkB binding site: Evidence for a role of NFkB in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Circulation. 1997;96:285. Principal Author.

     
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