Department of Neurosurgery

Research: Jim Liu, PhD

Ke Jian "Jim" Liu, Ph.D., is the Director of the UNM BRaIN Imaging Center. His research focuses on the molecular mechanism of brain injury following ischemic stroke, with particular emphasis on the role of tissue oxygenation and oxidative stress.
Stroke is a leading cause of death in the US. Free radicals and related reactive species contribute to the cerebral damage that occurs after stroke. The overall hypothesis of our research is that free radicals generated during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion play a significant role in brain injury by either attacking tissue or by affecting gene expression of inflammatory mediators, including the cytokines and proteases. The goal of the research is to investigate the mechanism of free radical induced tissue injury, and to design better pharmacological intervention strategies to minimize the damage caused by stroke.