Tao Yang

Tao Yang, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at Van Andel Institute (VAI). His research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying skeletal development, stem cell fate determination, and skeletal aging, with an emphasis on gene and stem cell therapies for diseases like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Dr. Yang leads the Yang Lab, which employs multi-omics approaches, skeletal disease models, and advanced molecular techniques.

Education & Career:

• B.S. in Biochemistry, Wuhan University
• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CAS)
• Postdoctoral Fellow at Baylor College of Medicine (2009)
• Assistant Professor at VAI (2013–present)

Research Interests: Dr. Yang’s lab explores:

• Sumoylation pathways in skeletal development and disease
• Epigenetic regulation of bone and cartilage health
• Stem cell-based therapies for tissue regeneration
• Link between aging and joint degeneration

Lab Team & Impact: The Yang Lab includes postdoctoral fellows, research scientists, and graduate students. Recent work highlights include identifying ERV activation in osteoarthritis progression and uncovering roles for KDM5C in bone metabolism. Their research has contributed to clinical trials (e.g., VAI-SU2C Epigenetics Dream Team) and collaborations in drug development for skeletal disorders.