Xinlin Yang, PhD
Dr. Yang’s primary research interests focus on bone and cartilage, emphasizing the pathology and treatment of orthopedic disorders such as osteoarthritis, bone fractures, and intervertebral disc degeneration. His current work investigates the role of formyl peptide receptor 1 (Fpr1) in the activation of M1 and M2 macrophages and the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, including those derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue. Additionally, he explores the therapeutic potential of antioxidative nanofullerene C60 for treating bone diseases. Through these efforts, Dr. Yang aims to develop innovative solutions for these challenging conditions.
In 1992, Dr. Yang earned his PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from Beijing Normal University (BNU), one of China’s most prestigious universities. His doctoral research focused on the role of centromere proteins in cell functions. In 1994, he joined the faculty at the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), where he was promoted to full professor in 1999. In 2002, he was selected as a founding faculty member of BIT’s School of Life Science, serving as Vice Chair for Research.
Dr. Yang expanded his academic experience internationally, working as a visiting professor in the Department of Molecular Pathology at MD Anderson Cancer Center from 2004 to 2005. In 2007, he joined the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Virginia (UVA) as a research associate, furthering his contributions to the field.
Over the years, Dr. Yang has had the privilege of working on various interdisciplinary projects that have expanded his knowledge and allowed him to collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds. He has served as the Principal Investigator for several competitive grants from the National Science Foundation of China, as well as a SBIR grant from the National Institute of Health and an award from the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation. He has also served as a key co-investigator in several awarded funds from different sources including the NIH/NIAMS, AO and NASS Foundation.
Dr. Yang has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, and his work has received over 2200 citations, with an h-index of 20 and an i10-index of 26, as of December 10, 2024. In addition, he has mentored over 100 undergraduate and graduate students and junior researchers in both BIT and UVA. Currently, he is an associate editor of Molecular Medicine and a guest editor of Biology.
In addition to his research, Dr. Yang enjoys playing Weiqi (also known as Go), a strategic board game that originated in China and remains highly popular across Asia.
Appointments
Assistant Professor of Research
Education
- B.S. Biology, Beijing Normal University (BNU), 1987
- Ph.D. Cell and Molecular Biology, BNU, 1992
Contact
email: xy3c@virginia.edu