Category: News

Ostrow Researchers Study Impacts of Synovial Lymphatic System on TMJ

The Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology proudly congratulates Dr. Qing Chang on earning a Doctorate in Craniofacial Biology. Dr. Chang’s dissertation, “Functional Investigation of Meningeal Lymphatics and Glymphatic in Neurocranial Disorders,” . We celebrate this significant achievement and wish Dr. Chang continued success in future research and academic endeavors.

Jian-Fu (Jeff) Chen, PhD, presented at the 2026 International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) meeting with his talk, “Lymphatic Vasculature Niche Supports Stem Cell for Craniofacial Tissue Regeneration.”His presentation highlighted emerging research on the role of lymphatic vascular niches in supporting stem cell function and advancing regenerative approaches for craniofacial tissues.

Jian-Fu (Jeff) Chen, PhD, presented at the Craniofacial Gordon Research Conference (GRC) with his talk, “Lymphatic Vasculature Niche Supports Stem Cell for Craniofacial Tissue Regeneration.” His presentation explored the critical role of lymphatic vascular niches in regulating stem cell behavior and supporting craniofacial tissue regeneration, highlighting innovative directions in regenerative biology and craniofacial research.

Congratulations to Jingyi (Joyce) Chen on receiving an award at the 2026 Ostrow Research Day for her outstanding research project, “Human synovial organoids reveal fibroblast-macrophage interactions driving TMJ arthritis pain.” Her work highlights innovative approaches to understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis and pain.

Zhang W, Zhang M, Ma L, Jariyasakulroj S, Chang Q, Lin Z, Lu Z, Chen JF. (2024) Recapitulating and reversing human brain ribosomopathy defects via the maladaptive integrated stress response. Science Advances. Accepted.

Pei F, Ma L, Guo T, Zhang M, Jing J, Wen Q, Feng J, Lei J, He J, Janečková E, Ho TV, Chen JF, Chai Y. Sensory nerve regulates progenitor cells via FGF-SHH axis in tooth root morphogenesis. Development. 2024 Jan 15;151(2):dev202043. doi: 10.1242/dev.202043. Epub 2024 Jan 11. PMID: 38108472.

Ma L, Wang F, Li Y, Wang J, Chang Q, Du Y, Sadan J, Zhao Z, Fan G, Yao B, Chen JF. (2023) Brain methylome remodeling selectively regulates neuronal activity genes linking to emotional behaviors in mice exposed to maternal immune activation. Nat Commun. 2023 Nov 29;14(1):7829. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-43497-4. PMID: 38030616; PMCID: PMC10687003

Jariyasakulroj S, Zhang W, Bai J, Zhang M, Lu Z, Chen JF. (2023) Ribosome biogenesis controls cranial suture MSC fate via the complement pathway in mouse and human iPSC models. Stem Cell Reports. 2023 Dec 12;18(12):2370-2385. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.10.015. Epub 2023 Nov 16. PMID: 37977145; PMCID: PMC10724072

Ma L, Wang J, Ge JL, Wang Y, Zhang W, Du YN, Luo J, Li YP, Wang F, Fan GP, Chen R, Yao B, Zhao Z, Guo ML, Kim WK, Chai Y, Chen JF. (2021)
Reversing neural circuit and behavior deficit in mice exposed to maternal inflammation by Zika virus.
EMBO Rep. (Accepted).

A postdoc position is available in Chen Lab. The lab uses genetically modified mice and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)/brain organoids to model developmental brain disorders (DBDs) and neurodegenerative diseases followed by mechanistic studies at molecular, cellular, circuit, and behavioral levels (Nat. Commun., 2019, PMID: 31197141; Genes Dev., 2020, PMID: 32115408). We also investigate craniofacial biology and skull-brain interaction using mouse genetics and human iPSC models (Cell., 2021, PMID: 33417861). We aim to develop novel therapeutic strategies to treat neurological and craniofacial disorders. Interested individuals should send a CV and the contact of three referees by email to Jian-Fu (Jeff) Chen, Ph.D via Jianfu@usc.edu.

Zhang W, Ma L, Yang M, Shao Q, Xu J, Lu Z, Zhao Z, Chen R, Chai Y, Chen J. Cerebral organoid and mouse models reveal a RAB39b-PI3K-mTOR pathway dependent dysregulation of cortical development leading to macrocephaly/autism phenotypes. Genes & Development.