#  Dr. Yingzi Yang 

Professor of Developmental Biology 

 

 

 



   ![Dr. Yang](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_5__480x600/public/2025-01/YangProfilePhoto_web.jpg?itok=q52C3PNY) 

 



 

 smartphone [617-432-8304](tel:617-432-8304) 

 email [Yingzi\_Yang@hsdm.harvard.edu](mailto:Yingzi_Yang@hsdm.harvard.edu) 

 laptop\_windows [Harvard Catalyst Profile](https://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/133332) 

 laptop\_windows [Yang Laboratory ](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/node/1593941/) 

 

 



 

Dr. Yingzi Yang has made significant contributions to understanding how cells communicate to control embryonic development and the physiological functions of the skeleton and liver. Her research bridges fundamental discoveries with the characterization and treatment of diseases.

Yang completed her BS degree at Fudan University in Shanghai, China. She received her research training in the U.S., studying Wnt and Hedgehog signaling in early limb patterning under the guidance of Dr. Lee Niswander at the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Institute, where she earned her PhD in molecular biology from Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

After completing a postdoctoral fellowship in mammalian developmental biology and genetics in Dr. Andy McMahon's laboratory at Harvard University, Yang joined the Genetic Disease Research Branch of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) as a tenure-track investigator in 2000 and ventured into skeletal biology. She received tenure at NHGRI in 2006, serving as head of the Developmental Genetics Section and a senior investigator. Yang was recruited by the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) as a professor of developmental biology in 2014.

Yang has received numerous honors and awards during her scientific career, including the Vincent du Vigneaud Award of Excellence from Weill Medical College, a postdoctoral fellowship award from the Damon Runyon-Walter Winchell Foundation, the NIH Award of Merit, the SCBA Young Investigator Award, and the NIH APAO Outstanding Achievements and Merit Scholarship Award.

Yang has published extensively in professional journals and has served on the editorial boards of several major journals, including *Cell Research*, *Journal of Biological Chemistry*, *Journal of Bone and Mineral Research*, and *Journal of Molecular Cell Biology*. She is committed to training students at all levels and introducing them to the excitement and significance of biomedical research. Yang also serves on numerous professional research and education committees.

Yang’s laboratory focuses on the regulation of skeletal and liver formation and function by biochemical and biomechanical cues. She is particularly interested in identifying key cellular and molecular mechanisms by which important signaling pathways control biological functions in complex systems. Her lab explores human biology by investigating human genetic diseases.

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- ## Administrative Offices
    
     [Office of Research](/administrative-offices/office-research)
- ## Alphabetical listing
    
     [Y](/alphabetical-listing/y)
- ## Department or Program
    
     [Developmental Biology](/people-departmentprogram/developmental-biology)
- ## Role
    
     [Faculty, Full Time](/people-role/faculty-full-time)