# 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. ![Yang lab team in front of lab bench](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_3__1540x1160/public/2025-12/IMG_3353%202%20copy%20%281%29.jpg?itok=8YQtkjRA) ## 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. See also:- [ Research Labs ](/page-categories/research-labs) ## News and updates [### Study identifies molecular pathway that may restore bone strength ](/news/2025/12/study-identifies-molecular-pathway-may-restore-bone-strength) December 05, 2025 HSDM researchers uncover a key mechanism for bone health that could lead to potential therapeutic agents to mimic the effects of exercise ![Medical illustration of osteocytes in a lacunar canalicular network within mineralized bone matrix showing dendritic signal pathways](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-12/Osteocytes.jpeg?itok=luoZNHYa) [### A setback to research that offered hope for Fibrous Dysplasia patients ](/news/2025/07/setback-research-offered-hope-fibrous-dysplasia-patients) July 18, 2025 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. ![Dr Yang in lab](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-07/Dr%20Yang%20banner.jpg?h=90b3a9eb&itok=N9n_uYwW) [### Uncovering a key molecular switch linked to liver cancer ](/news/2025/04/uncovering-key-molecular-switch-linked-liver-cancer) April 23, 2025 Finding by HSDM scientists may lead to new treatment interventions. ![scan image of liver](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-04/LiverCancer_thumbnail.jpg?itok=lG6R8PTx) [### Dr. Yingzi Yang named AAAS fellow ](/news/dr-yingzi-yang-named-aaas-fellow) April 18, 2024 The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has elected Yingzi Yang, associate dean for Research and professor of Developmental Biology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), to the 2023 cohort of AAAS Fellows, a distinguished... ![Dr. Yang](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-01/YangProfilePhoto_web.jpg?h=bd4e7498&itok=NdAqoaLN) [### New study reveals how mechanical stimuli control early embryonic growth and development ](/news/new-study-reveals-how-mechanical-stimuli-control-dorso-ventral-back-belly-patterning) June 13, 2023 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. ![a microscope](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/dental/files/microscope.png?itok=BVkLCuPT) [### Department of Defense funding will advance study of rare bone disease at HSDM and MGH ](/news/department-defense-funding-will-advance-study-rare-bone-disease-hsdm-and-mgh) May 18, 2023 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. ![doctor holding xray of skull](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/dental/files/doctor_xray_web.jpg?itok=3MfEb2UP) [### Investigating the Role of Stem Cells in Tooth Repair ](/news/researchers-investigate-role-stem-cells-repairing-teeth) January 10, 2022 Dr. Yingzi Yang, professor of Developmental Biology, and Dr. Jennifer Gibbs, assistant professor of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences and program director for Endodontics, have been awarded $200,000 in seed grant funding from the Harvard... ![Drs. Gibbs and Yang](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/dental/files/_dsc1337.jpg?itok=nCg5atea) arrow\_back arrow\_forward ## Principal Investigator [### Yingzi Yang ](/people/yingzi-yang) [Yingzi\_Yang@hsdm.harvard.edu](mailto:Yingzi_Yang@hsdm.harvard.edu)Professor of Developmental Biology 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... ![Dr. Yang](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-01/YangProfilePhoto_web.jpg?itok=GQV0X81i)