HomeResearchIntramural ResearchResearch Branches at NHGRIGenetic Disease Research Branch Yang Lab

Yingzi Yang, Ph.D. Senior Investigator Genetic Disease Research Branch Head Developmental Genetics Section B.S. Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China, 1988 Ph.D. Cornell University, 1996 (301) 402-2034 (301) 402-2170 yingzi@mail.nih.gov Building 49, Room 4A68 49 Convent Dr, MSC 4472 Bethesda, MD 20892-4472 Selected Publications Postdoctoral Positions Available

Dr. Yang's laboratory studies vertebrate embryonic development with a specific focus on limb and skeletal morphogenesis. Her goal is to understand the mechanisms by which molecular signals are transduced and integrated in a regulatory network to control key events during mammalian embryonic development and adult homeostasis. To that end, her lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms of two major families of signaling molecules, Wnts and Hedgehogs (Hhs), in the limb and the skeletal system, and how abnormalities in these two signaling pathways lead to birth defects and adult diseases including tumor formation. Her lab's multidisciplinary approach combines the strength of mouse molecular genetics with embryology, functional genomics and cell and organ culture systems.

Skeletal morphogenesis is a typical example of vertebrate organogenesis. It starts from mesenchymal condensation, in which mesenchymal progenitor cells differentiate into either osteoblasts, which form bone, or chondrocytes, which form cartilage, depending on the ossification mechanisms. Later, cartilage and bone develop through a precisely coordinated process that involves the sequential maturation of chondrocytes and osteoblasts and the invasion of blood vessels. Early patterning signals, including Hhs, Wnts, FGFs and TGF superfamily members, provide temporal and spatial information to instruct skeletal anlagen formation, long before overt skeletogenesis. These signaling pathways also play major roles in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation and organization in the formed skeletal system. Dr. Yang's previous work provided insight into several fundamental aspects of tissue patterning and cell fate determination in the limb and skeletal system. Her current research addresses how signaling pathways are integrated in skeletal and other developmental processes, stem cell self renewal/ differentiation and how disruption of these events leads to various diseases and tumor. Her lab is also actively investigating the molecular mechanism underlying the control of vertebrate morphogenesis by the Wnt signaling regulated cell polarity.

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Last Updated: July 13, 2009