Department of Neurobiology
Guo-Gang XING
XING Guo-Gang（邢国刚）Ph.D.
Professor, Vice director
Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University
Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Sciences Center
Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China & National Health Commission of China
Contact Information
38 Xue-Yuan Road, Hai-Dian District
Beijing 100191, China.
Phone: 86 (0)10 82805842
Email: ggxing@bjmu.edu.cn
Research Fields
Chronic pain / Stem cells and neurodevelopmental disorders / Nutrition and brain development
Academic experience
Guo-Gang Xing earned his Ph.D. Degree in Xi'an Jiaotong University in 2001, and then received post-doctoral trainings in the Neuroscience Research Institute of Peking University, the Sanford Burnham Prebys (SBP) Medical Research Institute, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in USA (2001-2006). Dr. Xing joined the Neuroscience Research Institute of Peking University as an associate professor of neurobiology in 2004 and professor in 2013.
Dr. Xing mainly engaged in research on chronic pain, stem cells and neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as the mechanisms of nutrition and brain development. He has earned numerous grants, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Beijing Natural Science Foundation, National Key Research and Development Program, Key Projects of the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program), National Major Scientific Instrument Development Project, National Health Commission Industry Special Fund, and Project of the Special Zone for Science and Technology Innovation. Dr. Xing has published over 100 research papers in academic journals such as Advanced Materials, Molecular Psychiatry, Cell Communication and Signaling, Brain Behavior and Immunity, Journal of Neuroinflammation, The Journal of Neuroscience, Pain, and Science Signaling, et al. He has participated in the compilation of 10 textbooks and monographs, including "Neuroscience", "Physiology" (the 9th and 10th editions) and "Rehabilitation Physiology" (the 2nd and 3rd editions) (the People's Medical Publishing House). He has received many academic awards such as the Second Prize of the Beijing Natural Science Award, the Second Prize of the Beijing Science and Technology Award, and the Second Prize of the China Acupuncture and Moxibustion Association Science and Technology Award.
Research interests
(1) Molecular mechanisms of chronic pain
To elucidate the initiation, development and maintenance of chronic pain, to investigate the roles of receptors and ion channels, key molecules and signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of chronic pain, and the neurocircuitry mechanisms of chronic pain.
To illuminate the neural mechanisms underlying the comorbid anxiety and depression symptoms in chronic pain.
(2) Stem cells and neurodevelopmental disorders
To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and human brain organoids.
(3) Nutrition and Brain Development
To investigate the roles and mechanisms of multiple nutrients in early brain development by C. elegans , human brain organoids, and mouse models.
Research techniques
Multi-disciplinary approaches and techniques are utilized in Dr. Xing’s lab, which include molecular biology, cell biology, morphology, behavioral pharmacology, metabonomics, genomics and proteomics, RNA-sequencing, single-cell sequencing, iPSCs and human brain organoids, genome editing, as well as calcium imaging, epigenetics, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and electrophysiology such as in vivo extracellular recording, patch-clamp recording, and in vivo multichannel recording in awake, free-moving animals.
Awards
Second Prize, Beijing Science and Technology Award (2012)
Second Prize, Science and Technology Award, Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion Society (2011)
Acupuncture Anesthesia Branch, Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion Society
Research Funding
National Natural Science Foundation of China (82371227)“Transcriptional repression of Kv7(KCNQ)/M potassium channel mediated by histone deacetylase HDAC2 and its role in bone cancer pain in rats”(2024 - 2027)
National Natural Science Foundation of China (82171226) “Studies on the amygdala microcircuits and molecular mechanisms underlying comorbid depressive symptoms in neuropathic pain” (2022 - 2025)
Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality (7222105)“The amygdala microcircuitry and molecular mechanism that mediate comorbid depressive symptoms in neuropathic pain”(2022 - 2024)
Project of the Special Zone for Science and Technology Innovation (22-TQ***-02) “Neuron functional culture XXX” (2022 - 2024)
National Natural Science Foundation of China (81974169) “National Natural Science Foundation of China “The role and the neuromodulatory circuits mechanisms for the amygdala in chronic stress-induced exacerbation of neuropathic pain” (2020 - 2023)
National Key Research and Development Projects “Study on the mechanism of somatosensory afferent in the treatment of sciatica tired with acupuncture point” (2019 - 2021)
Project of the Special Zone for Science and Technology Innovation (CXTQ-2019***-001) “Research on XXX based on XXX regulation” (2019 - 2020)
National Natural Science Foundation of China (81671085) “The role and the neuromodulatory circuits mechanisms for the amygdala in chronic stress-induced exacerbation of neuropathic pain” (2017 - 2020)
National Natural Science Foundation of China (61527815) “Multi level control and high throughput neural signal detection apparatus” (2016 - 2020)
National Natural Science Foundation of China (81371237) “Studies on the transcriptional regulation of KCNQ/M(Kv7) channel and its roles in cancer-induced bone pain in rats” (2014 - 2017)
National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program, 2013CB531905) “Analgesic mechanism of acupuncture-drug compound anesthesia” (2013 - 2017)
Special Fund of Industry Special Fund of Ministry of Health (201302013-01) “Application of transcutaneous electrical stimulation technology in reproductive medicine” (2013 - 2015)
National Natural Science Foundation of China (31171063) “The role and mechanisms of KCNQ/M potassium channels in the development of bone cancer pain” (2012 -2015)
National Natural Science Foundation of China (81072951) “Roles of Sheng-Jing-San in the treatment of asthenozoospermia via the activation of CatSper channels” (2011.0 - 2011.12)
National Natural Science Foundation of China (61027001) “Development of the high throughput neural signal detection apparatus” (2011 - 2013)
Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality (7112079) “Roles of BDNF-mediated phosphorylation of NMDA receptor NR2B subunit in the development of neuropathic pain” (2011 - 2013)
National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program, 2007CB512501) “Role of Brain Pain Processing Circuit in Acupuncuture Analgesia” (2007 - 2011)
National Natural Science Foundation of China (30370470) “Long-term Synaptic Plasticity in the Spinal Dorsal Horn and its Modulation by Electroacupuncture in Rats with Neuropathic Pain” (2004 - 2006)
Selected publications (*: corresponding author)
1. Ye Jiang, Jing Yang, Min Wei, Jiayin Shou, Shixiong Shen, Zhuoying Yu, Zixian Zhang, Jie Cai, Yanhan Lyu, Dongsheng Yang, Yongzheng Han, Jinpiao Zhu, Zhigang Liu, Daqing Ma*, Guo-Gang Xing* and Min Li*. Probiotics alleviate painful diabetic neuropathy by modulating the microbiota-gut-nerve axis in rats. Journal of Neuroinflammation. 2025 Feb 2;22(1):30.
2. Zi-Xian Zhang#, Yue Tian#, Song Li, Hong-Bo Jing, Jie Cai, Min Li*, Guo-Gang Xing*. Involvement of HDAC2-mediated kcnq2/kcnq3 genes transcription repression activated by EREG/EGFR-ERK-Runx1 signaling in bone cancer pain. Cell Communication and Signaling 2024 Aug 27;22(1):416.
3. Wen-Ge Shi, Yao Yao, Ya-Jing Liang, Jie Lei, Shi-Yang Feng, Zi-Xian Zhang, Yue Tian, Jie Cai, Guo-Gang Xing*, Kai-Yuan Fu*. Activation of TGR5 in the injured nerve site according to a prevention protocol mitigates partial sciatic nerve ligation-induced neuropathic pain by alleviating neuroinflammation. Pain 2024 Oct 25.
4. Yue Tian#, Xue-Wei Yang#, Lin Chen, Ke Xi, Si-Qing Cai, Jie Cai, Xiao-Mei Yang, Zhi-Yong Wang, Min Li*, Guo-Gang Xing*. Activation of CRF/CRFR1 signaling in the central nucleus of the amygdala contributes to chronic stress-induced exacerbation of neuropathic pain by enhancing GluN2B-NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic plasticity in adult male rats. Journal of Pain 2024 Aug;25(8):104495.
5. Jing Yang, Zhuoying Yu, Ye Jiang, Zixian Zhang, Yue Tian, Jie Cai, Min Wei, Yanhan Lyu, Dongsheng Yang, Shixiong Shen, Guo-Gang Xing*, and Min Li*. SIRT3 alleviates painful diabetic neuropathy by mediating the FoxO3a-PINK1-Parkin signaling pathway to activate mitophagy. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics 2024 Apr;30(4):e14703.
6. Tongling Liufu, Haiyan Yu, Jiaxi Yu, Meng Yu, Yue Tian, Yichun Ou, Jianwen Deng, Guo-Gang Xing*, Zhaoxia Wang*. Complex I deficiency in m.3243A>G fibroblasts is alleviated by reducing NADH accumulation. Frontiers in Physiology. 2023 Aug 15; 14:1164287.
7. Ke Xi#, Si-Qing Cai#, Hui-Fang Yan, Yue Tian, Jie Cai, Xiao-Mei Yang*, Jing Min Wang*, Guo-Gang Xing*. CSMD3 deficiency leads to motor impairments and autism-like behaviors via dysfunction of cerebellar Purkinje cells in mice. The Journal of Neuroscience 2023 May 24;43(21):3949-3969.
8. Zhu-Lin Yuan#, Xiao-Dan Liu#, Zi-Xian Zhang#, Song Li, Yue Tian, Ke Xi, Jie Cai, Xiao-Mei Yang, Min Liu, Guo-Gang Xing*. Activation of GDNF-ERK-Runx1 signaling contributes to P2X3R gene transcription and bone cancer pain. iScience 2022 Aug 13; 25(9): 104936.
9. Fan Xu#, Xian-wei Zou#, Li-qiong Yang#, Shi-cong Mo#, Quan-hao Guo, Jing Zhang, Xiechuan Weng* and Guo-Gang Xing*. Facial muscle movements in patients with Parkinson’s disease undergoing phonation tests. Frontiers in Neurology 2022 Oct 31; 13:1018362.
10. Wang Wang#, Wei-Zhen Liu, Zi-Liang Wang, Dong-Xiao Duan, Xue-Yun Wang, Shi-Jin Liu, Zhi-Ju Wang, Guo-Gang Xing*, Ying Xing*. Spinal microglial activation promotes perioperative social defeat stress-induced prolonged postoperative pain in a sex-dependent manner. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity 2022 Feb;100:88-104.
11. Min Hao#, Zixian Zhang, Chao Liu, Yue Tian, Jiazhi Duan, Jianlong He, Zhaoyang Sun, He Xia, Shan Zhang, Shuhua Wang, Yuanhua Sang*, Guo-Gang Xing*, Hong Liu*. Hydroxyapatite Nanorods Function as Safe and Effective Growth Factors Regulating Neural Differentiation and Neuron Development. Advanced Materials 2021 Aug;33(33):e2100895.
12. Hong Jiang#, Jiang-Ping Liu#, Ke Xi#, Ling-Yu Liu, Ling-Yu Kong, Jie Cai, Si-Qing Cai, Xi-Yuan Han, Jing-Gui Song, Xiao-Mei Yang, You Wan, Guo-Gang Xing*. Contribution of AMPA receptor-mediated LTD in LA/BLA-CeA pathway to comorbid aversive and depressive symptoms in neuropathic pain. The Journal of Neuroscience 2021 Aug 25;41(34):7278-7299.
13. Jiang-Ping Liu#, Hong-Bo Jing#, Ke Xi, Zi-Xian Zhang, Zi-Run Jin, Si-Qing Cai, Yue Tian, Jie Cai and Guo-Gang Xing*. Contribution of TRESK two-pore domain potassium channel to bone cancer-induced spontaneous pain and evoked cutaneous pain in rats. Molecular Pain 2021 Jun-Dec; 17(1-8):17448069211023230.
14. Zi-Run Jin#, Dong Fang, Bo-Heng Liu, Jie Cai, Wen-Hao Tang, Hui Jiang, Guo-Gang Xing*. Roles of CatSper channels in the pathogenesis of asthenozoospermia and the therapeutic effects of acupuncture-like treatment on asthenozoospermia. Theranostics 2021 Jan 1;11(6):2822-2844.
15. Shiyang Huang#, Can Zheng#, Guoguang Xie#, Zhanming Song, Pingzhang Wang, Yun Bai, Dixin Chen, Yan Zhang, Ping Lv, Weiwei Liang, Shaoping She, Qingqing Li, Zhongtian Liu, Yun Wang, Guo-Gang Xing*, Ying Wang*. FAM19A5/TAFA5, a novel neurokine, plays a crucial role in depressive-like and spatial memory-related behaviors in mice. Molecular Psychiatry 2021 Jun;26(6): 2363-2379.
16. Ran Huo#, Song-Ping Han#, Feng-Yu Liu, Xiao-Jing Shou, Ling-Yu Liu, Tian-Jia Song, Fu-Jun Zhai, Rong Zhang, Guo-Gang Xing*, Ji-Sheng Han*. Responses of Primary Afferent Fibers to Acupuncture-Like Peripheral Stimulation at Different Frequencies: Characterization by Single-Unit Recording in Rats. Neuroscience Bulletin 2020 Aug;36(8):907-918.
17. Meng Xue#, Ya-Lan Sun, Yang-Yang Xia, Zhi-Hua Huang, Cheng Huang* and Guo-Gang Xing*. Electroacupuncture modulates spinal BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway and ameliorates the sensitization of dorsal horn WDR neurons in spared nerve injury rats. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2020 Sep 7;21(18): E6524.
18. Ya-Jing Liang#, Shi-Yang Feng, Ya-Ping Qi, Kai Li, Zi-Run Jin, Hong-Bo Jing, Ling-Yu Liu, Jie Cai, Guo-Gang Xing*, Kai-Yuan Fu*. Contribution of microglial reaction to increased nociceptive responses in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity in male mice. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity 2019 Aug; 80:777-792.
19. Ling-Yu Liu#, Rui-Ling Zhang, Lin Chen, Hong-Yan Zhao, Jie Cai, Jia-Kang Wang, Da-Qing Guo, Yan-Jun Cui*, Guo-Gang Xing*. Chronic stress increases pain sensitivity via activation of the rACC–BLA pathway in rats. Experimental Neurology 2019 Mar;313:109-123.
20. Yue Yang#, Song Li#, Zi-Run Jin#, Hong-Bo Jing#, Hong-Yan Zhao, Bo-Heng Liu, Ya-Jing Liang, Ling-Yu Liu, Jie Cai, You Wan, Guo-Gang Xing*. Decreased abundance of TRESK two-pore domain potassium channels in sensory neurons underlies the pain associated with bone metastasis. Science Signaling 2018 Oct 16; 11(552):eaao5150.
21. Hong-Yan Zhao#, Ling-Yu Liu, Jie Cai, Yan-Jun Cui*, Guo-Gang Xing*. Electroacupuncture Treatment Alleviates the Remifentanil-induced Hyperalgesia by Regulating the Activities of Ventral Posterior Lateral Nucleus of the Thalamus Neurons in Rats. Neural Plasticity 2018 Nov 11; 2018:6109723.
22. Lin Chen#, Song Li#, Jie Cai, Tian-Jiao Wei, Ling-Yu Liu, Hong-Yan Zhao, Bo-Heng Liu, Hong-Bo Jing, Zi-Run Jin, Min Liu, You Wan, Guo-Gang Xing*. Activation of CRF/CRFR1 signaling in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala contributes to chronic forced swim-induced depressive-like behaviors in rats. Behavioural Brain Research 2018 Feb 15; 338:134-142.
23. Xu Ding#, Ya-Jing Liang, Li Su, Fei-Fei Liao, Dong Fang, Jun Tai, Guo-Gang Xing*. BDNF contributes to the neonatal incision-induced facilitation of spinal long-term potentiation and the exacerbation of incisional pain in adult rats. Neuropharmacology 2018 Jul 15; 137:114-132.
24. Ming-Jia Li#, Ling-Yu Liu#, Lin Chen#, Jie Cai, You Wan, Guo-Gang Xing*. Chronic stress exacerbates neuropathic pain via the integration of stress-affect related information and nociceptive information in the central nucleus of the amygdala. Pain 2017 Apr;158(4):717-739.
25. Song Li#, Jie Cai, Zhi-Bo Feng, Zi-Run Jin, Bo-Heng Liu, Hong-Yan Zhao, Hong-Bo Jing, Tian-Jiao Wei, Guan-Nan Yang, Ling-Yu Liu, Yan-Jun Cui*, Guo-Gang Xing*. BDNF contributes to spinal long-term potentiation and mechanical hypersensitivity via Fyn-mediated phosphorylation of NMDA receptor GluN2B subunit at tyrosine 1472 in rats following spinal nerve ligation. Neurochemical Research 2017 Oct; 42(10): 2712-2729.
26. Dong Fang#, Ling-Yu Kong#, Jie Cai#, Song Li, Xiao-Dan Liu, Ji-Sheng Han, Guo-Gang Xing*. Interleukin-6-mediated functional upregulation of TRPV1 receptors in dorsal root ganglion neurons through the activation of JAK/PI3K signaling pathway: roles in the development of bone cancer pain in a rat model. Pain 2015 Jun;156(6):1124-1144.
27. Jie Cai#, Dong Fang, Xiao-Dan Liu, Song Li, Juan Ren* and Guo-Gang Xing*. Suppression of KCNQ/M (Kv7) potassium channels in the spinal cord contributes to the sensitization of dorsal horn WDR neurons and pain hypersensitivity in a rat model of bone cancer pain. Oncology Reports 2015 Mar; 33(3): 1540-1550.
28. Xu Ding#, Jie Cai, Song Li, Xiao-Dan Liu, You Wan, Guo-Gang Xing*. BDNF contributes to the development of neuropathic pain by induction of spinal long-term potentiation via SHP2 associated GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors activation in rats with spinal nerve ligation. Neurobiology of Disease 2015 Jan; 73:428-451.
29. Xiao-Dan Liu#, Jing-Jing Yang#, Dong Fang, Jie Cai, You Wan*, Guo-Gang Xing*. Functional Upregulation of Nav1.8 Sodium Channels on the Membrane of Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons Contributes to the Development of Cancer-Induced Bone Pain. PLoS One 2014 Dec 11;9(12): e114623.
30. Hong Jiang#, Dong Fang#, Ling-Yu Kong, Zi-Run Jin, Jie Cai, Xue-Jing Kang, You Wan* and Guo-Gang Xing*. Sensitization of neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala via the decreased GABAergic inhibition contributes to the development of neuropathic pain-related anxiety-like behaviors in rats. Molecular Brain 2014 Oct 4; 7:72.
31. Lei Ding#, Jie Cai#, Xiang-Yang Guo, Xiu-Li Meng*, Guo-Gang Xing*. The anti-allodynic action of pregabalin may depend on the suppression of spinal neuronal hyperexcitability via decreasing the dorsal horn N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in rats with spared nerve injury. Pain Research & Management 2014 Jul-Aug;19(4):205-211.
32. Min Liu#, Huan Yang, Dong Fang, Jing-Jing Yang, Jie Cai, You Wan, De-Hua Chui, Ji-Sheng Han, Guo-Gang Xing*. Up-regulation of P2X3 receptors by neuronal calcium sensor protein VILIP-1 in dorsal root ganglion contributes to the bone cancer pain. Pain 2013 Sep;154(9):1551-1568.
33. Qin Zheng#, Dong Fang, Ming Liu, Jie Cai, You Wan, Ji-Sheng Han,Guo-Gang Xing*. Suppression of KCNQ/M (Kv7) potassium channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons contributes to the development of bone cancer pain in a rat model. Pain 2013 Mar;154(3):434-448.
34. Qin Zheng#, Dong Fang, Jie Cai, You Wan, Ji-Sheng Han, Guo-Gang Xing*. Enhanced excitability of small dorsal root ganglion neurons in rats with bone cancer pain. Molecular Pain 2012 Apr 3;8:24.
35. Feng-Yu Liu#, Yan-Ni Sun#, Fa-Tian Wang#, Qian Li, Li Su, Zi-Fang Zhao, Xiang-Ling Meng, Hong Zhao, Xi Wu, Qian Sun, Guo-Gang Xing*, You Wan*. Activation of satellite glial cells in lumbar dorsal root ganglia contributes to neuropathic pain after spinal nerve ligation. Brain Research 2012 Jan 3;1427:65-77.
36. Ying-Ying Wang#, Jiong Qin*, Ying Han, Jie Cai, Guo-Gang Xing*. Hyperthermia induces epileptiform discharges in cultured rat cortical neurons. Brain Research 2011 Oct 12;1417:87-102.
37. Shan-Jing Geng#, Fei-Fei Liao#, Wen-Hao Dang, Xu Ding, Xiao-Dan Liu, Jie Cai, Ji-Sheng Han, You Wan, Guo-Gang Xing*. Contribution of the spinal cord BDNF to the development of neuropathic pain by activation of the NR2B-containing NMDA receptors in rats with spinal nerve ligation. Experimental Neurology 2010 Apr;222(2):256-266.
38. Feng-Yu Liu#, Xiao-Xiu Qu#, Xu Ding#, Jie Cai, Hong Jiang, You Wan, Ji-Sheng Han, Guo-Gang Xing*. Decrease in the descending inhibitory 5-HT system in rats with spinal nerve ligation. Brain Research . 2010 May 12;1330:45-60.
39. Tianran Song#, Yue Wang, Guian Chen* and Guogang Xing*. Tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells and dopaminergic neuronal function in human embryonic stem cells: An electrophysiological validation. Neural Regeneration Research 2010; 5(3):185-190.
40. Xiao-Xiu Qu#, Jie Cai#, Ming-Jia Li, Ye-Nan Chi, Fei-Fei Liao, Feng-Yu Liu, You Wan, Ji-Sheng Han, Guo-Gang Xing*. Role of the spinal cord NR2B-containing NMDA receptors in the development of neuropathic pain. Experimental Neurology 2009 Feb; 215(2):298-307.
41. Lu Yu#, Fei Yang, Hao Luo, Feng-Yu Liu, Ji-Sheng Han, Guo-Gang Xing* and You Wan*. The role of TRPV1 in different subtypes of dorsal root ganglion neurons in rat chronic inflammatory nociception induced by complete Freund's adjuvant. Molecular Pain 2008 Dec 4;4:61.
42. Guo-Gang Xing*, Feng-Yu Liu, Xiao-Xiu Qu, Ji-Sheng Han, You Wan*. Long-term synaptic plasticity in the spinal dorsal horn and its modulation by electroacupuncture in rats with neuropathic pain. Experimental Neurology 2007 Dec;208(2):323-332.
43. Feng-Yu Liu#, Guo-Gang Xing#, Xiao-Xiu Qu, Isabella S. Xu, Ji-Sheng Han, You Wan*. Roles of 5-HT receptor subtypes in the inhibitory effects of 5-HT on C-fiber responses of spinal wide dynamic range neurons in rats. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 2007 Jun;321(3):1046-1053.
44. Guo-Gang Xing#, Rengang Wang#, Bo Yang, Dongxian Zhang*. Postnatal switching of NMDA receptor subunits from NR2B to NR2A in rat facial motor neurons. European Journal of Neuroscience 2006 Dec; 24(11):2987-2992.
45. Qian Sun#, Guo-Gang Xing#, Huiyin Tu, Ji-Sheng Han, You Wan*. Inhibition of hyperpolarization- activated current by ZD7288 suppresses ectopic discharges of injured dorsal root ganglion neurons in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Brain Research 2005 Jan 25; 1032(1-2): 63-69.