Xiaogang Wang steps into his new role as Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM), bringing with him a decade of groundbreaking research on bacterial pathogens. 

With experience spanning from China to Boston's elite medical institutions, Wang aims to bridge the gap between basic microbiology and real-world applications in veterinary medicine, particularly in the fight against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Wang studies a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus (Staph aureus for short). This bacterium can cause various infections, from minor skin problems to serious illnesses like pneumonia. One of the biggest challenges with Staph aureus is that it has become resistant to many antibiotics, making it hard to treat. 

Academic journey

Wang earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2009. His academic path has taken him across continents, with postdoctoral positions at the University of Kansas Medical Center and the University of California, Berkeley, followed by six years at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

Wang's journey to specialization in microbiology began during his undergraduate studies. "My main interest in microbiology started during my college study," Wang said. “At that time, we did not specifically focus on one field. But I started becoming interested in microbiology, and that's why I thought, 'Okay, I'm going to pursue graduate study in microbiology.'"

This interest led Wang to explore various aspects of bacterial pathogenesis, from E. coli to intracellular bacteria, before settling on Staphylococcus aureus as his primary research focus.

"Staph aureus is a tough bacteria, antibiotic-resistant, which causes most common diseases like skin infection," Wang said. "But for immune-compromised patients or older people, it can cause more severe diseases like pneumonia or baceteremia. People can die very quickly, like in several days without treatment." 

Research focus and teaching responsibilities

At the veterinary college, Wang will divide his time between research, teaching, and mentoring students. His research focuses on extracellular membrane vesicles produced by Staphylococcus aureus, tiny particles that play a crucial role in bacterial infections.

Extracellular membrane vesicles are like tiny bubbles that bacteria produce and release. Scientists used to think that bacteria just released their toxins and proteins freely into their environment. However, Wang's research shows that many of these substances are packaged inside these vesicles. These vesicles play an essential part in how bacteria cause infections. They carry toxins and other factors that help the bacteria survive and spread in the body. 

Understanding how these vesicles work could lead to new ways to fight bacterial infections.

"These vesicles carry lots of virulence factors, such as toxins, proteases, and lipoproteins," Wang said. "Previously, everyone thought these proteins were released in soluble form. But now we've found that many of these toxins are associated or partially associated with these particles." 

Potential for vaccines and applications in veterinary medicine

An exciting aspect of Wang's research is the possibility of developing these vesicles as a vaccine platform or drug delivery system. By exposing the immune system to harmless versions of these vesicles, it might be possible to train the body to recognize and fight off actual infections more effectively.

Wang is particularly excited about the potential applications of his research in veterinary medicine. "Staph aureus is one of the major pathogens causing animal disease, like animal mastitis and skin disease," he said. "I'm thinking about genetically engineering these vesicles as a vaccine to protect against disease."

In addition to his research, Wang will contribute to the college's teaching mission. "This year, I will give two lectures in Dr. Luo's immunology courses," he said. "I've also already recruited one student to my lab as well." 

A commitment to mentorship and collaboration

Throughout his career, Wang has maintained a strong commitment to mentorship and collaboration. His own mentors, particularly one at Cal-Berkeley, taught him the importance of pursuing novel research directions. 

"He told me, ‘I hate to follow others,' " Wang recalled. "Now I understand. You need to think about what's the most important question that you need to answer, and what's the knowledge gap that you need to fill in your research field "

Looking to the future

Wang is enthusiastic about the opportunities at the veterinary college, particularly the chance to expand his research into animal health applications and contribute to innovative vaccine development.

"I'm pretty excited," Wang said. "I feel I'm lucky to join here. There are lots of collaboration opportunities. You can learn what other faculty are doing and communicate or discuss your project or research with your colleagues."

Wang is keen on exploring the natural beauty of Southwest Virginia with his family. "I like hiking," he shared. "My wife is excited; my son is excited. We've already been to the river and driven along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's really gorgeous."

The move to Virginia brings new experiences for his family as well. While they do not currently have pets, Wang is considering getting a dog. 

"My son is 10 years old now, and he's becoming more interested in the idea of having a dog," he said. "I don't think it will be long until we have a dog at home."

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