Research Interests
Key words: statistical genetics, multi-omics dissection of complex human diseases and traits
The focus of the Li Lab research is on the development of statistical methods and their application to the genetic dissection of complex diseases and traits. In particular, the Li Lab has developed genotype imputation methods (software MaCH and MaCH-Admix) that have become standard practice. The Lab have also developed methods for meta-analysis, local ancestry inference, and region-based association of rare variants in both genetically homogeneous and in admixed populations, and proposed different approaches to handle imputation uncertainty in association analysis. We have worked on genome-wide scans for genetic variants underlying several metabolic, auto-immune, cardiovascular, neuropsychiatric diseases and related quantitative traits. In addition, we have developed methods to accommodate low-coverage sequencing data for genotype calling and for association testing and have been actively involved in a number of sequencing (NGS) based studies including the 1000 Genomes Project (Project Leader on calling SNP genotypes from low-coverage pilot), identification of RNA-DNA differences, Exome Sequencing Project (ESP), and the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) project. In addition, we have developed methods for DNA methylation data and actively participated in multiple epigenome-wide association studies. Moreover, we have also developed methods for single-cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics data, particularly on ensemble clustering, batch effect correction, and association in medical genetics context. Furthermore, the Li Lab has worked on method development and data analysis for Hi-C and derived data, particularly detection of long-range chromatin interactions and integration with GWAS and eQTL data. PI Dr. Yun Li has been playing leadership roles in multiple multi-site consortia efforts including leading the Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Working Group in the Back Pain Consortium (BACPAC) Research Program, and co-chairing the 4DN Predictive Modeling Working Group.
Mentor Training:
- Bias 101
- DEI Program Part 1 – Unconscious Bias
- DEI Program Part 2 – Respecting All
- REI Racial Equity Workshop Phase 1
Training Program Affiliations:
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Publications
Yun Li in UNC Genetics News

November 5, 2023
Department of Genetics Publications for October 22nd – November 4th, 2023
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 9 papers during October 22nd - November 4th 2023.

October 23, 2023
Department of Genetics Publications for October 8th – 21st, 2023
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 9 papers during October 8th - 21st 2023.

October 2, 2023
Researchers Connect Alzheimer’s-Associated Genetic Variants with Brain Cell Function
Led by scientists at UNC-Chapel Hill and UC-San Francisco, research reveals new non-coding genetic variants associated with Alzheimer’s disease functioning in microglia – brain cells already implicated in the progression of this often-fatal neurodegenerative condition. Yun Li, PhD, professor of genetics, is the lead UNC School of Medicine researcher.

September 25, 2023
Department of Genetics Publications for September 10th – 23rd, 2023
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 7 papers during September 10th - 23rd 2023.

September 11, 2023
Department of Genetics Publications for August 27th – September 9th, 2023
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 10 papers during August 27th - September 9th 2023.

August 28, 2023
Department of Genetics Publications for August 13th – 26th, 2023
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 11 papers during August 13th - 26th 2023.

August 14, 2023
Department of Genetics Publications for July 30th – August 12th, 2023
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 9 papers during July 30th - August 12th 2023.

July 30, 2023
Department of Genetics Publications for July 16th – 29th, 2023
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 8 papers during July 16th - 29th 2023.

July 28, 2023
Researchers Discover Genetic Locations for Increased Risk of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
UNC School of Medicine researchers Christopher Sayed, MD, Yun Li, PhD (Genetics), and Karen Mohlke, PhD (Genetics), discovered the genomic locations that contribute to the genetic risk of a chronic skin condition.

July 3, 2023
Department of Genetics Publications for June 18th – July 1st, 2023
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 14 papers during June 18th - July 1st 2023.