Yang Chai

Yang Chai is a University Professor and George and MaryLou Boone Chair in Craniofacial Molecular Biology at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, with joint appointments in the Keck School of Medicine's Biomedical Sciences, Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, and Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine departments. He serves as Director of the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology and Associate Dean of Research at the Ostrow School. His research focuses on craniofacial development, stem cell biology, and tissue regeneration, with a particular emphasis on neural crest cell regulation and congenital craniofacial defects. Chai has pioneered studies on mesenchymal stem cell niches and their roles in tooth and bone regeneration. He leads major NIH-funded projects, including the C-DOCTOR tissue regeneration consortium and studies on temporomandibular joint disorders. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, with breakthroughs in rescuing craniofacial malformations through genetic manipulation. Chai holds over 300 publications and is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and AAAS Fellow.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Craniofacial Biology, USC (1991)
• Residency in Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University (1984-1986)
• D.M.D. from Peking University School of Stomatology (1984)

Research Interests: Chai's lab explores molecular mechanisms of tooth root development, palate fusion, and stem cell niche regulation. Key areas include mechanotransduction signaling, FGF/SHH/WNT pathway interactions, and gene-environment interactions in craniosynostosis. His work integrates CRISPR engineering, spatial transcriptomics, and 3D bioprinting for translational therapies.

Grants & Awards:

• NIH U24 grants (FaceBase IV, C-DOCTOR)
• R01 grants (TMD research, tooth root mechanisms)
• Goldhaber Award (2023), National Academy of Medicine (2018)

Labs & Teams: Chai directs the Chai Lab at the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, collaborating with global networks on projects like the Alpha Clinic Network for gene therapies. His lab focuses on translating stem cell discoveries into therapies for congenital craniofacial defects and bone regeneration.