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.

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. Our current efforts are divided into the following major projects:

• Understand the role of signaling pathways in cell fate determination. We are investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms whereby Gs regulate fate choices of differentiating mesenchymal progenitor/stem cells 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, skeletal development, and homeostasis.
   
• Understand the functions of Hippo/Yap signaling in hepatocyte fate plasticity, proliferation, and interactions with the immune cells. We are particularly interested in the cellular and molecular mechanism underlying the hepatic roles of Hippo/Yap signaling in shaping the immune microenvironment.
   
• Understand the molecular and cellular mechanism underlying mechanotransduction in the skeletal system. The musculoskeletal system is a major effector of biomechanic forces. We are investigating the signaling pathways in mediating the effects of mechanotransduction in development, homeostasis, and regeneration in the skeleton.

Personnel

Research Fellows:
Yizhong Hu
Yuchen Liu
Xinchen Wu
Yu Jin
Jie Liu
Yanbo Wang
​​​​​​​Albert Huang

Research Assistant:
Naomi Nommi

Visiting Graduate Students:
Yangchen Jin