CCMB Faculty

Yang Chai, Yang Chai, Yang Chai, Yang Chai, Yang Chai, Yang Chai,

CSA 148, HSC 9062
(323)442-3480 Voice
(323)442-2981 Fax
ychai@usc.edu

Yang Chai

D.D.S., Ph.D.

Professor
Director

Education Experience Honors & Awards Projects Publications Book Chapters Teaching Slides

Education

INSTITUTION AND LOCATION	DEGREE	YEAR(s)	FIELD OF STUDY
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California	D.D.S.	1994-1996	Dentistry
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California	Postdoctoral	1991-1994	Craniofacial Molecular Biology
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California	Ph.D.	1987-1991	Craniofacial Biology
School of Stomatology, Peking University, Beijing, China	Residency	1984-1986	Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery
School of Stomatology, Peking University, Beijing, China	D.M.D. (MB)	1979-1984	Stomatology

Research & Professional Experience

2007-Present	Director, Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Southern California
2006-Present	Professor, School of Dentistry, University of Southern California
2005-Present	Advisory Editorial Board for the journal ORAL DISEASE
2004, 2006	Chair, Gordon Research Conference on Carniofacial Morphogenesis and Tissue Regeneration
2004-Present	Chair, Division of Craniofacial Sciences and Therapeutics, School of Dentistry, University of Southern California
2002-2006	Associate Professor, Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Southern California
1996-2002	Assistant Professor, Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of dentistry, University of Southern California
1991-Present	Course Director, Head and Neck Anatomy, Human Anatomy, University of Southern California
1991-1996	Research Assistant Professor, Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Southern California
1991-1994	Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Southern California
1987-1991	Research Associate, Graduate Program in Craniofacial Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Southern California
1984-1986	Teaching Faculty and Surgical Resident, Department of Oral-Maxi1lofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Peking University, Beijing, China

Academic Honors and Awards

2007-present	Editorial Board DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
2004, 2006	Chair, Gordon Research Conference on Craniofacial Morphogenesis and Tissue Regeneration
2005-present	Advisory Editorial Board for the journal ORAL DISEASE
2004-present	Regular member of SBDD study section CSR NIH.
2002-present	NIH Ad hoc grant reviewer (OBM-2, ODCS) and Reviewer for the Welcome Trust, UK
2001-2003	Award of Excellence in Teaching, University of Southern California
1997	James H. Zumberge Faculty Research and Innovation Award, University of Southern California
1997	Annual Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Southern California
1996	OKU Scholarship award for outstanding academic performance
1996	Special Recognition by the Dean for outstanding service and contribution to the University of Southern California
1995	Annual Teaching Award, University of Southern California, School of Dentistry
1994-1996	Dean's List, every trimester during the entire D.D.S program at the University of Southern California
1991	PHI KAPPA PHI, All-University Honor Society, University of Southern California, (GPA 4.0)
1990-1991	Certificate for Outstanding Academic Achievement, University of Southern California

Research Projects

"Msx1 Signaling and Craniofacial Morphogenesis"

Principal Investigator: Yang Chai, DDS, PhD
Sponsor: March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
Period: June 1, 2002 to May 31, 2008
This project is to investigate the function of homeobox gene Msx1 in regulating the fate of cranial neural crest-derived ectomesenchyme during craniofacial morphogenesis.

"TGF-beta signaling and craniofacial morphogenesis"

Principal Investigator: Yang Chai, DDS, PhD
Agency: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH
Type: R01 DE12711; Period: January 1,1999 to March 31, 2009
The project is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanism that is critical for regulating palatal fusion during craniofacial morphogenesis.

"Craniofacial Developmental Molecular Biology"

Principal Investigator for Project 1: Yang Chai, DDS, PhD
Agency: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH
Type: P01 DE12941; Period: August 1, 1999 to July 31,2006
The integrated and complementary scientific research projects in this grant, using recombinant DNA technology, genetics, biochemistry, developmental biology, mouse models, cell and organ culture, and computer-assisted molecular modeling, are designed to provide substantial molecular information towards understanding the etiology and molecular pathogenesis of congenital craniofacial malformations.

"Fate of cranial neural crest and molecular regulation"

Principal Investigator: Yang Chai, DDS, PhD
Agency: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH
Type: R01 DE14078; Period: May 15, 2003 to April 30, 2008
The goal of this project is to identify and determine the critical roles of TGF-beta signaling in regulating the fate of cranial neural crest-derived ectomesenchyme during tooth and mandible development.

"Craniofacial Morphogenesis and Tissue Regeneration"

Principal Investigator: Yang Chai, DDS, PhD
Agency: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH
Type: R13 DE015738; Period: Jan, 1, 2004 to Dec. 31, 2009
The goal of this project is to support the Gordon Research Conference on Craniofacial Morphogenesis and Tissue Regeneration.

"Molecular Mechanism of Cleft Palate"

Principal Investigator: Yang Chai, DDS, PhD
Agency: The Cleft Palate Foundation
Period: July, 1, 2005 to June 3, 2006
The major goal of this project is to examine the critical function of cell cycle regulators in regulating the fate of cranial neural crest cells during palate development.

"The Molecular Regulatory Mechanism of Calvarial Morphogenesis"

Principal Investigator: Yang Chai, DDS, PhD
Agency: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH
Type: R01 DE 17007; Period: Sep 1, 2005 to Jun 30, 2010
This is a project designed to investigate the signaling network involved in regulating frontal bone development and malformation.

"Global Analysis of TGF-beta Signaling-Mediated Cell Cycle Regulators during Palatogenesis"

Principal Investigator: Yang Chai, DDS, PhD
Sponsor: James H. Zumberge Faculty Research & Innovation Fund
Period: March 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008
This project is designed to explore the dynamic gene expression profiles during palate fusion.

Publications

Anthwal N, Chai Y, Tucker AS. (2008). The Role of Transforming Growth Factor-beta Signalling in the Patterning of the Proximal Processes of the Murine Dentary. Dev. Dyn. In Press

Chen H, Zhuang F, Liu YH, Xu B, Del Moral P, Deng W, Chai Y, Kolb M, Gauldie J, Warburton D, Moses HL, Shi W. (2008) TGF-beta receptor II in Epithelia Versus Mesenchyme Plays Distinct Role in Developing Lung. Eur Respir J. In Press

Zhao H, Oka K, Bringas P, Kaartinen V, Chai Y (2008) TGF-beta type I receptor Alk5 regulates tooth initiation and mandible patterning in a type II receptor-independent manner. Dev. Biol., In Press

Oka K, Oka S, Hosokawa R, Bringas Jr. P, Brockhoff II HC, Nonaka K, Chai Y (2008) TGF-beta mediated Dlx5 signaling plays a crucial role in osteo-chondroprogenitor cell lineage determination during mandible development. Dev. Biol., In Press

Takamori K, Hosokawa R, Xu X, Deng X, Bringas P Jr, Chai Y. (2008) Epithelial fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 regulates enamel formation. J Dent Res. 87(3):238-43.

De Langhe SP, Carraro G, Tefft D, Li C, Xu X, Chai Y, Minoo P, Hajihosseini MK, Drouin J, Kaartinen V, Bellusci S. (2008) Formation and Differentiation of Multiple Mesenchymal Lineages during Lung Development Is Regulated by beta-catenin Signaling. PLoS ONE. 30;3(1):e1516.

Zehnaly A, Hosokawa R, Urata M, Chai Y. (2007). TGF-beta signaling and aplasia cutis congenita: proposed animal model. J Calif Dent Assoc. 35(12):865-9.

Ko SO, Chung IH, Xu X, Oka S, Zhao H, Cho ES, Deng CX, Chai Y. (2007). Smad4 is required to regulate the fate of cranial neural crest cells. Dev. Biol. 312(1):435-47

Hosokawa R, Urata M, Han J, Zehnaly A., Bringas Jr P, Nonaka K, Chai Y. (2007). TGF-beta mediated Msx2 expression controls occipital somites-derived caudal region of skull development. Dev. Biol. 310(1):140-53.

Han J, Ishii M, Bringas P Jr, Maas RL, Maxson RE Jr, Chai1 Y. (2007). Concerted action of Msx1 and Msx2 in regulating cranial neural crest cell differentiation during frontal bone development. Mechanisms of Development 124(9-10):729-45

Driskell RR, Goodheart M, Neff T, Liu X, Luo M, Moothart C, Sigmund CD, Hosokawa R, Chai Y, Engelhardt JF. (2007). Wnt3a regulates Lef-1 expression during airway submucosal gland morphogenesis. Dev Biol. 305(1):90-102

Oka S, Oka K, Xu X, Sasaki T, Bringas P Jr, and Chai Y. (2007). Cell autonomous requirement for TGF-beta signaling during odontoblast differentiation and dentin matrix formation. Mechanism of Development 124(6):409-15.

Oka K, Oka S, Sasaki T, Ito Y, Bringas P Jr., Nonaka K, and Chai Y. (2007). The role of TGF-beta signaling in regulating chondrogenesis and osteogenesis during mandibular development. Dev. Biol. 303(1):391-404.

Dudas M, Kim J, Li WY, Nagy A, Larsson J, Karlsson S, Chai Y, Kaartinen V. (2006). Epithelial and ectomesenchymal role of the type I TGF-β receptor ALK5 during facial morphogenesis and palatal fusion. Dev Biol. 296(2):298-314

Xu X, Han J, Ito Y, Bringas P Jr., Urata MM, Chai Y. (2006). Cell autonomous requirement for Tgfbr2 in the disappearance of medial edge epithelium during palatal fusion. Dev. Biol. 297(1):238-48.

Chai Y, Maxson RE. (2006). Recent Advances in Craniofacial Morphogenesis. Dev Dyn. 235(9):2353-75.

Choudhary B, Ito Y, Makita T, Sasaki T, Chai Y, Sucov HM. (2006). Cardiovascular malformations with normal smooth muscle differentiation in neural crest-specific type II TGFbeta receptor (Tgfbr2) mutant mice. Dev Biol. 289(2):420-9

Sasaki T, Ito Y, Bringas Jr. P, Chou S, Urata M, Slavkin HC, Chai Y. (2005). TGF-beta-mediated FGF signaling is critical for regulating cranial neural crest cell proliferation during frontal bone development. Development 133, 371-381

Ishii M, Han J, Yen HY, Sucov HM, Chai Y, Maxson RE Jr. (2005). Combined deficiencies of Msx1 and Msx2 cause impaired patterning and survival of the cranial neural crest. Development. 132(22):4937-50.

Hosokawa R, Urata MM, Ito Y, Bringas P Jr., Chai Y. (2005). Functional significance of Smad2 in regulating basal keratinocyte migration during wound healing. J Inves Dermatol. 125: 1302-1309

Zhao H, Bringas P Jr, Chai Y. (2005). An in vitro model for characterizing the post-migratory cranial neural crest cells of the first branchial arch. Dev Dyn. 235(5):1433-40

Plikus MV, Zeichner-David M, Mayer JA, Reyna J, Bringas P, Thewissen JGM, Snead ML, Chai Y, Chuong CM. (2005). Morphoregulation of teeth: modulating the number, size, shape and differentiation by tuning Bmp activity. Evolution & Development 7:5, 440 –457

Jamora C, Lee P, Kocieniewski P, Azhar M, Hosokawa R, Chai Y, Fuchs E. (2005). A Signaling Pathway Involving TGF-beta2 and Snail in Hair Follicle Morphogenesis. PLoS Biol. 3(1):e11

Cui XM, Shiomi N, Chen J, Saito T, Yamamoto T, Ito Y, Bringas Jr. P, Chai Y, Shuler CF. (2005) Overexpression of Smad2 in TGF-beta3-null mutant mice rescues cleft palate. Dev. Biol. 278, 193-202.

Sasaki T, Ito Y, Xu X, Han J, Bringas P Jr, Maeda T, Slavkin HC, Grosschedl R, Chai Y. (2005). LEF1 is a critical epithelial survival factor during tooth morphogenesis. Dev. Biol. 278,130-143.

Xu X, Bringas P Jr, Soriano P, Chai Y. (2005). PDGFR-alpha signaling is critical for tooth cusp and palate morphogenesis. Dev. Dyn. 232(1):75-84

Ito Y, Yeo JY, Chytil A, Han J, Bringas P Jr, Nakajima A, Shuler CF, Moses HL, Chai Y. (2003). Conditional inactivation of TGF-beta IIR in cranial neural crest causes cleft palate and calvaria defects. Development 130, 5269-5280.

Han J., Ito Y., Yeo J., Sucov H.M., Maas R., and Chai Y. (2003). Cranial neural crest-derived mesenchymal proliferation is regulated by Msx1-mediated p19^INK4dexpression during odontogenesis. Dev. Biol. 261, 183-196.

Cui XM, Chai Y, Chen J, Yamamoto T, Ito Y, Bringas P, Shuler CF. (2003). TGF-beta3-dependent SMAD2 phosphorylation and inhibition of MEE proliferation during palatal fusion. Dev Dyn. 227:387-94.

Chai Y., Ito Y., and Han J. (2003) TGF-beta signaling and its functional significance in regulating the fate of cranial neural crest cells. Crit. Rev. Oral Biol. Med. 14, 78-88.

Zhang Y, Wang S, Song Y, Han J, Chai Y, Chen Y. (2003). Timing of odontogenic neural crest cell migration and tooth-forming capability in mice. Dev. Dyn. 226, 713-718

Xu X, Jeong L, Han J, Ito Y, Bringas P Jr, Chai Y. (2003). Developmental expression of Smad1-7 suggests critical function of TGF-beta/BMP signaling in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal interaction during tooth morphogenesis. Int J Dev Biol 47(1):31-9

Chai Y. and Slavkin H.C. (2003) Prospects of tooth regeneration in the 21st century: a perspective. Micros. Res. Tech. 60(5):469-79

Jitpukdeebodintra S., Chai Y., and Snead ML. (2002). Developmental patterning of the circumvallate papilla. Int. J. Dev. Biol. 46, 755-763.

Ito Y, Bringas P Jr, Mogharei A, Zhao J, Deng C, Chai Y. (2002) Receptor-regulated and inhibitory Smads in regulating TGFbeta-mediated Meckel's cartilage development. Dev Dyn 224(1):69-78.

Jaskoll T, Zhou Y, Chai Y, Makarenkova H, Collinson J, West J, Hajihosseini M, Lee J, Melnick M (2002). Embryonic Submandibular Gland Morphogenesis: Stage-Specific Protein Localization of FGFs, BMPs, Pax6 and Pax9 in Normal Mice and Abnormal SMG Phenotypes in FgfR2-IIIc(+/Delta), BMP7(-/-) and Pax6(-/-) Mice. Cells Tissues Organs 170(2-3):83-98

Ito Y, Zhao J, Mogharei A, Shuler CF, Weinstein M, Deng C, Chai Y (2001). Antagonistic effects of Smad2 versus Smad7 are sensitive to their expression level during tooth development. J Biol Chem 276(47):44163-44172

Acosta JM, Chai Y, Meara JG, Bringas P Jr, Anderson KD, Warburton D (2001). Prenatal exposure to nitrofen indces Fryns phenotype in mice. Ann. Plast. Surg. 46, 635-640

Ito Y, Sarkar P, Mi Q, Wu N, Bringas P Jr, Liu Y, Reddy S, Maxson R, Deng C, Chai Y (2001). Overexpression of Smad2 reveals its concerted action with Smad4 in regulating TGF-beta-mediated epidermal homeostasis. Dev. Biol. 236, 181-194

Chai Y, Jiang X, Ito Y, Bringas P Jr, Han J, Rowitch DH, Soriano P, McMahon AP, Sucov HM (2000). Fate of the mammalian cranial neural crest during tooth and mandibular morphogenesis. Development, 127,1671-1679.

Zhao J, Crowe DL, Castillo C, Wuenschell C, Chai Y, Warburton D (2000). Smad7 is a TGF-beta- inducible attenuator of Smad2/3-mediated inhibition of embryonic lung morphogenesis. Mech. Dev. 93, 71-81.

Sarkar PS, Appukuttan B, Han J, Ito Y, Ai C, Tsai W, Chai Y, Stout JT, Reddy S (2000). Heterozygous loss of Six5 in mice is sufficient to cause ocular cataracts. Nature Genetics. 25, 110-114.

Amano O, Bringas P, Takahashi I, Takahashi K, Yamane A, Chai Y, Nuckolls GH, Shum L, Slavkin HC (1999). Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Induces Tooth Morphogenesis in Mouse First Branchial Arch Explants. Dev. Dyn. 216, 299-310.

Chai Y, Zhao J, Mogharei A, Xu B, Bringas P Jr, Shuler C, Warburton D (1999). Inhibition of Transfom1ing Growth Factor p Type II Receptor Signaling Accelerates Tooth Formation in Mouse First Branchial Arch Explants. Mech. Dev. 86, 63-74.

Chai Y, Bringas P Jr, Shuler C, Devaney E, Grosschedl R, Slavkin HC (1998). An early mandibular organ culture model developed to study cranial neural crest cell migration and molecular regulation of first branchial arch morphogenesis. Int. J Dev. Biol 42, 87-94.

Chai Y, Bringas P Jr, Slavkin HC (1998). PDGF-A and PDGFR-alpha Regulate Tooth Fonnation During Mandibular Morphogenesis In Vitro. Dev. Dyn. 213, 500-511.

Chai Y, Sasano Y, Bringas P, Mayo M, Slavkin HC, Shuler CF (1997). The characterization of the fate of midline epithelial cells during fusion of mandibular prominences in vivo. Dev. Dyn. 208. 526-535.

Slavkin HC, Chai Y, Hu CC, Mayo M, Bringas P Jr, Santos V (1995). The role of growth factors in early tooth morphogenesis, In: Biological Basis for Tooth Eruption, ed. Z. Davidovitch, CRC Press, Boca Ratan, Florida.

Chai Y, Mah A, Crohin C, Groff S, Bringas P, Le T, Santos V, Slavkin, H.C. (1994). Specific transfom1ing growth factor-beta subtypes regulate embryonic mouse Meckel's cartilage and tooth development. Dev. Biol. 162. 85-103.

Slavkin HC, Chai Y, Hu CC, Millar-Groff S, Bringas P (1994). Intrinsic molecular deteminants of tooth development from specification to root fonnation: a review. In: Biological Mechanisms of Tooth Eruption, Resorption and Replacement by Implants.

Chai Y, Klauser DK, Denny PA, Denny PC (1993). Proliferative and structural differences. between male and female mouse submandibular glands. Anat. Rec. 235, 303-311.

Denny PC, Chai Y, Klauser DK, Denny PA (1993). Parenchymal cell proliferation and mechanisms for maintenance of granular duct and acinar cell populations in adult male mouse submandibular gland. Anat. Rec. 235, 475-485.

Chai Y, Crohin C, Groff S, Bringas P Jr, Santos V, Slavkin, HC (1992). Suggested functions of endogenous TGFb isoforms in regulating mandibular morphogenesis and tooth formation. Selected Biomedical Research Summaries Am. Society for Cell BioI. pp. 1-2.

Slavkin HC, Hu CC, Sakakma Y, Diekwisch T, Chai Y, Mayo M, Bringas P Jr, Simmer J, Mak G, Sasano Y, David S (1992). Gene Expression, Signal Transduction and Tissue-Specific Biominera1ization During Mammalian Tooth Development, Critical Reviews in Eucaryotic Gene Expression, Stein, G. S., Stein, J. L., & Lian, J. B., editors, CRC Press. 2 (4): 315-330.

Slavkin HC, Shum L, Bringas P Jr, Sakakma Y, Chai Y, Mayo M, Santos V, Werb Z (1992). EGF regulation of Meckel's cartilage morphogenesis during mandibular morphogenesis in serumless, chemically-defined medium in vitro. ln: Chemistry and Biology of Mineralized Tissues (eds. Slavkin HC and Price P), Elsevier Scientific Publications, Amsterdam, pp.361-368.

Denny PC, Chai Y, Pimprapaiporn W, Denny PA (1990). Three-dimensional reconstruction of adult female mouse sumandibular gland secretory structures, Anat. Rec. 226, 489-500.

Denny PC, Chai Y, Klauser DK, Denny PA (1990). Three-dimensional localization of DNA synthesis in secretory elements of adult female mouse submandibular gland. Advances in Dent. Res. 4, 34-44.

Denny PA, Pimprapaiporn W, Bove BJ, Chai Y, Kim MS, Denny PC (1989). Appearance of acinar-cell-specific mucin in prenatal mouse submandloular gland, Differentiation 40, 93-98.

Byrd KE, Chai Y (1988). Three-dimensional movement analysis of lateral pterygoid eletromyographic activity during mastication in the rat. Arch. Oral Biol. 33,635-640.

Book Chapters

Chai, Y. (2003). TGF-beta signaling and craniofacial development. In: “Contemporary Stomatology” (Z. Zhang, M. Fan, and M. Fu Eds.). Science Press, Beijing, China. pp 57-79.

Chai, Y. and Slavkin HC. (2002). Utilization of in vitro organ culture model to investigate the regulatory mechanism of craniofacial development. In: “Experimental Oral Pathology” (Zhang, KH and Yu, XF eds) PMPH Press, Beijing, China. pp 379-399.

Chai Y and Slavkin HC (1995). Biology of bone induction and clinical applications. In : "Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America" (H. Davis and H. Sailer Eds.) W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphiavo17, pp.739-753.

Teaching Slides

USC-BioEng

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Last Updated: 04/30/08