Basic Science Research: Dr. Yang’s current lab research focuses on the mechanisms of thoracic aortic aneurysms, which is largely unknown, especially in those with unknown mutations (such as bicuspid aortic valve), and developing novel therapies to prevent aortic aneurysms. He and his team generate patient-specific induced pleuripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model the thoracic aortic aneurysm in order to study the mechanisms of aneurysm formation in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), Loeys-Dietz Syndrome, Marfan syndrome. CRISPR Cas 9 technology is used to create and correct the mutations causing thoracic aortic aneurysms in both control and patients iPSCs. This allows Dr. Yang and his team to study the biological mechanisms of gene mutations causing thoracic aortic aneurysm. He also collaborates with bioengineers and to create tissue-engineered vascular graft with patients iPSCs.

Clinically, He and his team work have focused on outcome research of aortic surgery and adult cardiac surgery. Such as valve-sparing aortic root replacement (David procedure) in acute type A dissection patients; Long-term outcome of valve-sparing aortic root replacement (David procedure); aortic root, arch, and malperfusion management in acute type A dissection patients; long-term outcome surgical treatment of active endocarditis.

Dr. Yang has won numerous research awards: such as AHA Vivien Thomas Young Investigator Award, finalist; Young investigator of Loeys-Dietz syndrome foundation, and several research projects supported by NIH grants.