Yingfei Wang

Dr. Yingfei Wang is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Pathology and Neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, and an Investigator at the Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute. She holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Magdeburg (Germany) and completed postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and cell death, particularly PARthanatos (PARP-1-dependent cell death), with applications to neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's), brain injury, and cancer.

Key research areas include: (1) PARP-1 signaling pathways in DNA damage and cell death, (2) mitochondrial dysfunction mediated by AIF3 splicing variants, (3) HIF-driven metabolic regulation in cancer and neurodegeneration, and (4) translational strategies to enhance cancer cell death while protecting neurons. Her lab employs epigenetics, proteomics, and mouse genetics to study these pathways.

Recent work has identified novel regulators such as MIF (PARP-1 activity-associated nuclease), KDM6B (epigenetic modulator), and ZMYND8 (master regulator of lipid pathways in cancer stem cells). These studies reveal context-dependent functions of PARP-1 and its role in both DNA repair and lethal cell death.

Lab activities include collaboration with clinicians to bridge basic research with clinical applications in stroke, neurodegeneration, and oncology. Current projects aim to identify therapeutic targets for neuron protection and cancer treatment through modulation of PARthanatos pathways.