The major goals of Dr. Liao’s research in recent years are to elucidate molecular mechanisms involved in the control of androgen action, prostate cancer progression and growth control; green tea catechin control of endocrine systems, obesity, sebum production, and prostate cancer; new receptor pathway for cholesterol metabolism and its control of cholesterol accumulation, new potent LXR agonists for treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Many of these studies are related to diabetic studies. For example, Dr. Liao has shown that specific tea catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) can rapidly control the blood glucose level in experimental animals. The effect can be related to neuropeptide (other than leptin) signaling that can control appetite and blood levels of hormonal factors, such as sex steroids, insulin, and IGF-1.

Dr. Laio’s study on a specific nuclear receptor UR or LXRαpreviously also led to the finding of auto-oxidized cholesterol sulfates as antagonistic ligand. He has also synthesized specific ligands that can effectively control cholesterol accumulation at a very low dose in animals. Dr. Liao’s study has provided a new mechanism for pathogenic development and a new approach for treatment of atherosclerosis. Hypolipidemic effects of EGCG and UR agonists should be important in the study of diabetes.