Hong Yu

Hong Yu is a Research Professor in the Department of Oral Health Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), within the College of Dental Medicine. He holds a Medical Doctorate (M.D.) from Beijing Medical University and completed postdoctoral training at MUSC. His professional career includes roles such as Research Assistant Professor (2011–2017), Director of the Oral Preclinical Research Facility (2011–2014), Co-Director of the Laboratory Core (2014–2017), and his current position since 2017.

Dr. Yu’s research focuses on molecular signaling pathways regulating immune responses in periodontitis, particularly the role of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1P2) in bacterial-induced inflammation, osteoclastogenesis, and bone loss. His work explores therapeutic strategies to inhibit inflammatory bone loss, including S1P receptor inhibitors and statins.

His recent publications emphasize S1P2’s role in osteogenesis, chemokine regulation, and bone resorption. His research bridges basic immunology, bone biology, and translational medicine, addressing mechanisms linking inflammation to periodontal and systemic diseases.

Dr. Yu has led labs and cores within the Center for Oral Health Research, contributing to preclinical models of periodontal disease. His work has been published in journals like International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Journal of Dental Research, and Cytokine.