Yang Laboratory
Yang Laboratory
The Yang Laboratory uses molecular, cellular, genetic, and genomic approaches to investigate the critical roles of cell signaling in embryonic morphogenesis and adult physiology. We mainly focus on the mammalian limb, skeleton, and liver to explore human biology and address the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of diseases, including cancer.
Research Focus
- Cell-cell signaling plays an essential role in both development and physiology. We are particularly interested in the Wnt, Hedgehog, and Hippo signaling pathways that are evolutionarily conserved, act repetitively in different systems, and regulate a diverse array of biological processes. Mutations in components of these signaling pathways cause devastating congenital defects, degenerative disorders, and cancer.
The vertebrate skeleton and liver provide great systems for us to understand morphogenesis, regeneration, and signaling interactions between tissue-specific resident cells with systemic regulation. Our previous work has provided insights into several fundamental aspects of tissue and organ morphogenesis in the limb, skeleton, and tumor formation in the liver.
On-going projects
- Understand the role of signaling pathways in stem cell activation, migration and differentiation during cranial bone and periodontal tissue injury repair
- We are investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms whereby Gs and Gi regulates stem cell migration and fate choices by controlling several key signaling pathways under both physiological and pathological conditions.
- Understand the function of directional information in development and disease
- We are investigating the regulatory mechanisms whereby Wnt signaling controls planar cell polarity (PCP) in various aspects of embryonic morphogenesis, bone development and homeostasis.
- Understand the molecular and cellular mechanism underlying Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction in the skeletal system
- The musculoskeletal system is a major effector of biomechanical forces. We are investigating the signaling pathways in mediating the effects of Piezo1 mechanotransduction in development, homeostasis and regeneration in the skeleton.
News and updates
Study identifies molecular pathway that may restore bone strength
HSDM researchers uncover a key mechanism for bone health that could lead to potential therapeutic agents to mimic the effects of exercise
A setback to research that offered hope for Fibrous Dysplasia patients
Promising HSDM research into the rare and debilitating disease was halted due to withdrawal of federal funding. The research had implications for treating a range of skeletal conditions and broader medical applications.
Uncovering a key molecular switch linked to liver cancer
Finding by HSDM scientists may lead to new treatment interventions.
Dr. Yingzi Yang named AAAS fellow
New study reveals how mechanical stimuli control early embryonic growth and development
New research out of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine sheds light on a largely underexplored frontier of developmental biology – how mechanical stimuli control growth and patterning in embryonic development.
Department of Defense funding will advance study of rare bone disease at HSDM and MGH
Researchers at HSDM and MGH received a $3M Department of Defense grant to study Fibrous Dysplasia, aiming to uncover treatments for this rare skeletal disease.
Investigating the Role of Stem Cells in Tooth Repair
Principal Investigator
Yingzi Yang
Yingzi_Yang@hsdm.harvard.edu