The Tang lab’s research is directed at understanding the molecular, cellular, and neural-network basis of human brain diseases to ultimately develop precision medicine therapeutics. With a focus on neurodevelopmental disorders, epilepsy, and brain cancer, we employ an integrated translational research approach that leverages cutting-edge technologies spanning genome engineering, human stem cell differentiation, organoid culture, single cell-omics, bioinformatics, biochemistry, electrophysiology, and high-throughput drug/gene screening. Examples of ongoing projects in the lab are:

• Reverse neurodevelopmental disorders: We aim to generate a systematic understanding of the gene expression alterations induced by brain disease risk genes mutations as well as precision medicine drug treatment. Our long term goal is to leverage such insights to match brain disease patients to targeted therapies they may benefit from.
• Role of FLT3 Signaling in the Brain: Our previous unbiased drug screening discovered the unexpected roles of FLT3 kinase in synapse development and neuroinflammation. We will further elucidate the molecular and cellular basis of FLT3 signaling in the brain.
• Organoid Models of Brain Tumor: We strive to create 3D human organoid models of brain tumor in order to recapitulate and manipulate the molecular and cellular events during brain cancer initiation, progression, and elimination.

With active collaborations among clinicians at the BCH Department of Neurosurgery and researchers in the F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, we are uniquely positioned to address unmet clinical needs through translational research and technology development. Our goal is to yield actionable scientific insights that help to fill the gap between basic science and the development of therapeutics for the clinical treatment of brain disorders.