Andrew Yang, PhD
Research Description
Our lab develops new molecular approaches to decode the meaning, mechanisms, and therapeutic relevance of unexpected protein and immune cell communication across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We use a combination of proteomics, chemical biology, cell culture, single-cell profiling, imaging, and functional approaches to interrogate vascular and immune contributions to brain health. By deciphering the general principles by which the periphery communicates with the brain, our studies will form the basis for rationally engineering the BBB to confer greater resilience to brain aging and neurodegeneration.
Current Projects
- Molecular mechanisms of BBB-permeable proteins and immune cell populations
- BBB targets and pathways for enhanced drug delivery to the aged and diseased brain
- Causal mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease risk genes active in human BBB vascular and immune cells
- Single-nucleus profiling to dissect human BBB contributions to other neurodegenerative diseases
- New molecular tools to unravel bidirectional communication across the BBB
Lab Members
Amanda Apolonio, Research Associate
Fionna Huang, Research Associate
Sophie Liu, Research Associate
Check our lab website for the latest roster.