Yao Liang Tang

Yao Liang Tang is a Professor in the Department of Medicine (Cardiology division) at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, where he has served since 2013 after faculty positions at the University of Cincinnati, Keck Graduate Institute, and University of South Florida.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from Fudan University (2002)
• MD in Medicine from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (1993)

Dr. Tang's research centers on stem cell-mediated cardiovascular protection and muscle regeneration, with primary focus on:

• Mechanisms of HIF-1α/Notch signaling in stem cell homing and differentiation
• Extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated cardioprotection
• Regulation of microRNA/LncRNA in cardiac diseases
• Cardiac differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells
• HDAC11 roles in cardiovascular pathology

His 20-year expertise spans mouse models of myocardial ischemia, vascular injury, and molecular techniques in stem cell biology.

Recent publications (2023-2024) demonstrate strong emphasis on EV-based therapeutics for cardiac and muscular conditions, single-nuclei RNA sequencing in muscular dystrophy, and electrical stimulation to enhance cardioprotective vesicle secretion across regenerative medicine and molecular cardiology.

Key recognitions include:

• Clinical Science Research Award (2017, Augusta University)
• AHA Fellow (FAHA, 2015)
• Research Administration Volunteer Award (AHA, 2015)
• Keck Graduate Institute Research Award (2012)
• Dr. Jeff Isner Young Investigator Award (2004)

As an active grant reviewer for NIH TAG study section and CDMRP Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy programs, Dr. Tang contributes to national research oversight while serving on Augusta University's Human Stem Cell Research and Chemical Safety Committees. His teaching of advanced vascular biology and cardiovascular research methods indicates ongoing mentorship activities despite no listed advisees.

He directs a research laboratory utilizing mouse cardiovascular physiology models, molecular biology, and histology techniques to advance stem cell-based regenerative therapies for heart and muscle diseases.