At the University of Chicago, Dr. Fang leads an interdisciplinary research program that integrates vascular biology, functional genomics, bioengineering, and nanotechnology to define the multilayered molecular mechanisms by which gene regulatory programs are dynamically controlled in health and disease. The laboratory investigates how mechanical and biochemical cues converge to regulate gene activity through the coordinated actions of transcription factors, the non-coding genome, epigenetic and epitranscriptomic modifications, and intracellular signaling pathways, thereby driving cardiovascular, fibrotic, and metabolic disease pathogenesis.
In parallel, the Fang laboratory has developed an extensive portfolio of proprietary nanomaterials engineered for precise, cell- and tissue-specific delivery of therapeutic cargos, including nucleic acids and small molecules. These nanomedicine platforms are designed to selectively target diseased vascular and stromal cells, enabling spatiotemporal modulation of dysregulated gene networks while minimizing off-target effects and systemic toxicity. By tightly coupling mechanistic discovery with therapeutic innovation, Dr. Fang’s program establishes a robust translational pipeline that bridges fundamental insights in mechanobiology and gene regulation with the development of next-generation targeted therapies for complex human diseases.
University of Pennsylvania
USA
Postdoctoral Fellow - Medicine and Engineering
2012
University of Pennsylvania
USA
PhD - Bioengineering
2006
University of Pennsylvania
USA
MS - Biotechnology
2002
National Taiwan University
Taiwan
BS - Microbiology & Plant Pathology
1999
ARNT-dependent HIF-2a signaling protects cardiac microvascular barrier integrity and heart function post-myocardial infarction.
ARNT-dependent HIF-2a signaling protects cardiac microvascular barrier integrity and heart function post-myocardial infarction. Commun Biol. 2025 Mar 15; 8(1):440.
PMID: 40089572
Transcriptomic analysis of iPSC-derived endothelium reveals adaptations to high altitude hypoxia in energy metabolism and inflammation.
Transcriptomic analysis of iPSC-derived endothelium reveals adaptations to high altitude hypoxia in energy metabolism and inflammation. PLoS Genet. 2025 Feb; 21(2):e1011570.
PMID: 39928692
Navitoclax safety, tolerability, and effect on biomarkers of senescence and neurodegeneration in aged nonhuman primates.
Navitoclax safety, tolerability, and effect on biomarkers of senescence and neurodegeneration in aged nonhuman primates. Heliyon. 2024 Aug 30; 10(16):e36483.
PMID: 39253182
Mechanosensitive FHL2 tunes endothelial function.
Mechanosensitive FHL2 tunes endothelial function. bioRxiv. 2024 Jun 17.
PMID: 38948838
LDL-Binding IL-10 Reduces Vascular Inflammation in Atherosclerotic Mice.
LDL-Binding IL-10 Reduces Vascular Inflammation in Atherosclerotic Mice. bioRxiv. 2024 Mar 06.
PMID: 38496521
Mechanosensitive super-enhancers regulate genes linked to atherosclerosis in endothelial cells.
Mechanosensitive super-enhancers regulate genes linked to atherosclerosis in endothelial cells. J Cell Biol. 2024 03 04; 223(3).
PMID: 38231044
Anoctamin-1 is induced by TGF-ß and contributes to lung myofibroblast differentiation.
Anoctamin-1 is induced by TGF-ß and contributes to lung myofibroblast differentiation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2024 01 01; 326(1):L111-L123.
PMID: 38084409
Anoctamin-1 is induced by TGF-beta and contributes to lung myofibroblast differentiation.
Anoctamin-1 is induced by TGF-beta and contributes to lung myofibroblast differentiation. bioRxiv. 2023 Nov 09.
PMID: 37333255
Loss of heme oxygenase 2 causes reduced expression of genes in cardiac muscle development and contractility and leads to cardiomyopathy in mice.
Loss of heme oxygenase 2 causes reduced expression of genes in cardiac muscle development and contractility and leads to cardiomyopathy in mice. PLoS One. 2023; 18(10):e0292990.
PMID: 37844118
Endothelial FoxM1 reactivates aging-impaired endothelial regeneration for vascular repair and resolution of inflammatory lung injury.
Endothelial FoxM1 reactivates aging-impaired endothelial regeneration for vascular repair and resolution of inflammatory lung injury. Sci Transl Med. 2023 08 16; 15(709):eabm5755.
PMID: 37585502
Co-Chair, Gordon Research Conference on Biomechanics in Vascular Biology and Disease
2029
Co-Organizer, 25th International Vascular Biology Meeting
2028
Vice Chair, Gordon Research Conference on Biomechanics in Vascular Biology and Disease
2027
Director, IM Physician Scientist Development Program
University of Chicago
2025 - now
Faculty Associate Director of Curriculum, Medical Scientist Training Program
University of Chicago
2024 - now
Established Investigator Award
American Heart Association
2023
Elected Fellow
The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering
2023
Elected Fellow
American Heart Association
2023
NHLBI R35 award
National Institutes of Health
2022
B. Lowell Langille Vascular Biology Lectureship
University of Toronto
2020
Young Investigator Award (First Place)
CAAC-ATVB Symposium
2019
Leif B. Sorensen Faculty Research Award
University of Chicago
2018