Research Interests

The primary research goals in the Yu laboratory are to understand the molecular control of vascular remodeling and atherogenesis in response to arterial injury. We have intensively used mouse genetic, cell biological, and biochemical approaches to achieve these goals. Currently, our major efforts are directed at:

1. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress involves many diseases, including atherosclerosis and diabetes. We are now investigating the molecular mechanisms of reticulon family proteins in regulating atherogenesis and late atherosclerotic plaque necrosis using tissue-specific conditional knock-out mouse models.
2. The role of reticulon family proteins in regulating vascular inflammation. We are investigating how functional ER proteins control autophagic flux to regulate inflammation. Understanding the mechanisms of autophagosome formation and regulation of inflammation may shed light on developing new strategies for treating inflammation-related diseases, including atherosclerosis and diabetes.
3. Vascular and myocardial fibrosis. Defining the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase 5 (MPK5) in atherosclerosis and ischemic cardiomyopathy. We will also test the therapeutic potential of MKP5 small inhibitor in vivo.
4. Molecular control of vascular remodeling. Identify novel signaling pathways that regulate ischemia-induced collateral remodeling, angiogenesis, and neointimal hyperplasia in patients with metabolic disease.

Education, Training & Credentials

• Fellowship, Vascular Biology & Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 2003
• Fellowship, Vascular Surgery, Beijing Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 1997
• Residency, Surgery, Beijing Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China, 1996
• MD, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, 1992

Memberships

• North American Vascular Biology Organization
• American Heart Association
• International Union of Angiology
• Asian Vascular Society

Publications

NCBI Bibliography

Other Publications

Book Chapters

1. Zhang X, Yu J. eNOS and Caveolin-1 in cancer. The Research and Biology of Cancer. iConcept Press. ISBN: 978-14775549-9-9. 2013
2. Yu J, Du W, Wang X. “Application of molecular biology in vascular surgery”. Modern Vascular Surgery, Ed. By Wang Z, International Scientific Press. Beijing 2010
3. Yu J, Wang Z, Wang S et al. Iatrogenic Subclavian Steal Syndrome. Vascular Surgery Volume II, Ed. By Wang Z, International Scientific Press, Beijing 1999; 554-9
4. Wang Z, Chen X, Yu J. Complicated Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treating with Talent Stent-Graft System: A Case Report. Vascular Surgery Volume II, Ed. by Wang Z, International Scientific Press, Beijing 1999; 534-9
5. Wang Z, Zhu Y, Zarins C.K, Muller-Wiefer H, Reitz B.A, Wang S, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Yu J, Chen X, Bian C. The First Clinical Trial on Vascular Non-Penetrating Arcuate-Leged Clips in Eleven patients with Complicated Vascular Disorders. Vascular Surgery Volume II, Ed. By Wang Z, International Scientific Press, Beijing 1999; 681-3
6. Liu Z, Wang Z, Wang S, Zhang X, Yu J, Bian C. Post catheterization Femoral Pseudoaneurysm: Treatment with Ultrasound-Guided Compression Repair. Vascular Surgery Volume II, Ed.by Wang Z, International Scientific Press, Beijing 1999; 565-7
7. Luo C, Wang Z, Wang S, Zhang X, Chen X, Tan Y, Liu Z, Yu J, Bian C. Management of Acquired Femoral Aneurysms: Experience from 37 Cases. Vascular Surgery Volume II, Ed. by Wang Z, International Scientific Press, Beijing 1999; 643-5
8. Wang Z, Wu J, Wang S, Pu L, Zhang X, Wang L, Chen X, Yu J, Guo J et al. Surgical Management of Cerebral Ischemia Caused by Cervical four Occlusive Lesions Due to Takayasu's Disease. Vascular Surgery, Volume 1, Ed. by Wang Z. Beijing, 1993; 190-200
9. Wang Z, Wu J, Wang S, Zhang X, Yang D, Guo J, Chen X, Yu J, Wang L, et al. Balloon Dilatation and Intraluminal Stent as Means of Treatment for Budd-Chiari Syndrome in 54 Cases. Vascular Surgery, Volume 1, Ed. by Wang Z. Beijing, 1993; 342-346
10. Zhang X, Wang Z, Guo J, Yu J. Experimental study of endovascular stent in inferior vena cava of canine. Vascular Surgery, Volume 1, Ed. by Wang Z. Beijing, 1993; 638-646

Case Reports

1. Chen X, Wang Z, Wang S, Zhang X, Yu J. Long-term Results of Seeding Endothelial Cells on Prostheses in Management of Budd-Chiari Syndrome (Report of 10 Cases). Chin J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999; 15(1): 13-14
2. Wang Z, Chen X, Yu J. Endoluminal Treatment for DeBakey III Dissecting: Report of 6 Cases. Chin J Modern Surgery August Issue 1999
3. Zhang X, Wang X, Wang Z, Yu J, Wang S, et al. Percutaneous Transhepatic Vein Recanalization as A Therapy for Budd-Chiari Syndrome (3 Cases). Chin J Radiol 1997; 31(11)