- PhD, Stony Brook University (2006-2011)
- MS, Sichuan University (2004 – 2006)
- BS, Sichuan University (2000 – 2004)
In the Lab
The Yao Lab is interested in basement membrane (BM) biology with a focus on the CNS and skeletal muscle. Specifically, the Yao Lab has been studying: (1) how the BM regulates the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) integrity in both physiological and pathological conditions; (2) how the BM regulates the stemness (proliferation, differentiation, and fate determination) of pericytes and muscle development & regeneration after injury. The goals of the Yao Lab are to fully understand the biological functions of the BM and develop novel therapies for various neurological disorders & muscular dystrophy.
Currently, Dr. Yao’s lab is working on two major projects: the Brain Project and the Muscle Project. For more information, please visit the Yao lab
Research Interest
- Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) Integrity
- Stroke (Hemorrhage and Ischemia)
- Neurodegeneration/Neuroregeneration
- Laminin/Basement Membrane Biology
- Stem Cell Therapy
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Drug Screening / Discovery