Rate My Professor Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan

Wan’s research investigates metabolic liver disease, carcinogenesis, treatment, and prevention, with a focus on nuclear receptor-regulated pathways in metabolism and detoxification, as well as the diet-gut-liver axis. Her laboratory developed the first hepatocyte-specific retinoid X receptor α-deficient mouse model in 2000 and has identified non-invasive biomarkers in urine, serum, and fecal samples that predict metabolic stress leading to inflammation and carcinogenesis. She and her collaborators have designed novel nano-drugs targeting shortages of specific metabolites in liver and colon cancers. Wan has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles, including highly cited works such as “Hepatocyte-specific mutation establishes retinoid X receptor α as a heterodimeric integrator of multiple physiological processes in the liver” (Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2000, 279 citations) and “Retinoid pathway and cancer therapeutics” (Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 2010, 469 citations). Her contributions include continuous service on NIH Study Section Review Panels since 2000, mentorship of over 200 researchers, and roles as Associate Editor of Biomarker Research since 2012 and editor for nine other journals. Awards include the UC Davis School of Medicine Dean’s Award for Excellence (2021), Outstanding Alumni Award from Taipei Medical University (2016), and Chancellor’s Club Research Award (2010).