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
Mechanosensitive Endothelial METTL7A Regulates Internal m7G mRNA Methylation and Protects Against Atherosclerosis.
Mechanosensitive Endothelial METTL7A Regulates Internal m7G mRNA Methylation and Protects Against Atherosclerosis. Circulation. 2026 Sep 29; 154(13):1221-1237.
PMID: 42578282
Mechanosensitive FHL2 tunes endothelial function via microtubule-actomyosin crosstalk.
Mechanosensitive FHL2 tunes endothelial function via microtubule-actomyosin crosstalk. EMBO J. 2026 Jul; 45(13):4569-4604.
PMID: 42192127
Composite biomaterials of polyelectrolyte complex micelle nanoparticles in hyaluronic acid gels enable local, targeted miR-92a inhibition and enhanced angiogenesis in diabetic wound repair.
Composite biomaterials of polyelectrolyte complex micelle nanoparticles in hyaluronic acid gels enable local, targeted miR-92a inhibition and enhanced angiogenesis in diabetic wound repair. J Control Release. 2026 08 10; 396:115031.
PMID: 42155602
Effect of Polymer Structure on the Thermodynamics of Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelle Formation.
Effect of Polymer Structure on the Thermodynamics of Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelle Formation. Macromolecules. 2026 Mar 24; 59(6):3341-3353.
PMID: 42006566
Messenger RNA delivery to islet ß cells using conjugated lipid nanoparticles.
Messenger RNA delivery to islet ß cells using conjugated lipid nanoparticles. Cell Rep Med. 2026 Mar 17; 7(3):102634.
PMID: 41722565
LDL-binding IL-10 reduces vascular inflammation in atherosclerotic mice.
LDL-binding IL-10 reduces vascular inflammation in atherosclerotic mice. Nat Biomed Eng. 2026 Sep; 10(9):1843-1854.
PMID: 41482593
Polyelectrolyte complex micelles embedded in hyaluronic acid gels enable local, targeted miR-92a inhibition to accelerate diabetic wound repair.
Polyelectrolyte complex micelles embedded in hyaluronic acid gels enable local, targeted miR-92a inhibition to accelerate diabetic wound repair. bioRxiv. 2025 Nov 28.
PMID: 41404614
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
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
Judah Folkman Award in Vascular Biology
North American Vascular Biology Organization
2026
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