Research
Dr. Xiong’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis and antibiotic persistence within cardiovascular system; the role of prophages and prophage-encoded factors in persistent S. aureus endovascular infections; mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance; the efficacy of novel antimicrobial agents in clinically relevant animal models, including skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), bacteremia, endocarditis and pneumonia.
Biography
For over 25 years, Dr. Yan Xiong’s research has focused on the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis, antibiotic persistence, antimicrobial resistance, and treatment strategies for infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, particularly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Her work integrates both in vitro cell culture systems and a range of clinically relevant animal models, including those for skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), bacteremia, endocarditis and pneumonia.
Over the past two decades, she has published more than 130 peer-reviewed research articles in leading scientific journals and her research has been consistently supported by the National Institutes of Health, the America Heart Association and Pharmaceutical industry partners. Dr. Xiong’s long-term goal is to develop novel antimicrobial strategies for the prevention and treatment of serious infections caused by virulent and drug-resistant pathogens, including MRSA.