YiPing Chen

• International Association for Dental Research Distinguished Scientist Award in Craniofacial Biology, 2021
• Outstanding Researcher Award, School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, 2016
• Provost’s Research and Scholarly Achievement Award, Tulane University, 2005
• Winner of the CityBusiness Innovator of the Year, New Orleans, LA, 2004
• Established Investigator Award, American Heart Association, 2003
• National Research Service Award, National Institutes of Health, 1995

My research focuses on genetic control of mammalian organ development and pathogenesis, with specific emphasis on craniofacial and cardiac development and regeneration. More recently, we have expanded our research into adipocyte biology and systemic metabolism, with focus on the development, origin, regulatory mechanisms, and functional importance of specific populations of adipocytes in beiging response and metabolism in mammals. My lab uses transgenic/knockout approaches, together with experimental embryology, cellular and molecular biology techniques to dissect genetic pathways that control organogenesis. We have extensive experience in phenotypic analyses of rodents at gross, histological, cellular, and molecular levels. We routinely use gene-targeting and transgenic approaches, including CRISPR/Cas-9 genome editing, to study gene expression and function. We also have expertise in the use and application of cell culture, biochemistry, genomics, and bioinformatics to understand mechanisms of transcription factor-regulated gene expression in organ development and adipogenic differentiation.