Wei Li Lab · University of Maryland
Decoding genome function with AI and genome engineering
We develop computational and experimental technologies to understand how coding and non-coding elements shape human physiology and disease—and to translate those insights into new therapeutic opportunities.
Based at the Institute for Health Computing and the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Research program
Connecting technology development with human biology
Our work integrates predictive modeling, genome engineering, and high-dimensional experiments across three connected areas.
Pillar 01
AI-guided genome engineering
Designing and evaluating CRISPR, Cas13, and base-editing systems with predictive models that improve activity, specificity, and biological utility.
Pillar 02
Functional genomics and CRISPR screens
Using pooled and single-cell perturbation screens to discover regulatory mechanisms, disease dependencies, and candidate therapeutic targets.
Pillar 03
Single-cell perturbation modeling
Building AI and statistical frameworks that predict context-dependent perturbation responses, cell-state changes, and heterogeneous phenotypes.
Current highlights
Models, methods, and discoveries from the lab
AI model · 2026
pertTF
A context-aware transformer for predicting single-cell genetic perturbation responses across cellular systems and disease contexts.
Research output
Selected publications
Recent work spans AI-guided genome editing, perturbation-response modeling, CRISPR screens, and computational genomics.
Open science
Computational tools
Open-source methods support CRISPR-screen analysis, single-cell functional genomics, guide design, and transcriptome analysis.
People and place
An interdisciplinary team in computational and experimental genomics
The Wei Li Lab brings together computational scientists, experimental biologists, clinicians, and collaborators to develop technologies and answer questions that no single discipline can solve alone.
Meet the lab
Learn about current members, scientific backgrounds, and the expertise behind our research.
Build the next generation of functional genomics with us
We welcome motivated trainees and collaborators interested in genome engineering, single-cell biology, computational genomics, and AI for biology.
Wei Li Lab 