Research Model: Computational Modeling
Dr. Yip is professor and director of the Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. A leader in computational biology and bioinformatics at Chinese University of Hong Kong, he was recruited in 2022 to further elevate and accelerate Sanford Burnham Prebys’ growing capabilities and ambitions in next-generation biomedical research tools and approaches.
For almost 20 years, Dr. Yip’s research has focused on three primary interests: development of computational methods for analyzing data produced by emerging experimental technologies, such as single-cell and spatial transcriptomics; studying fundamental gene regulatory mechanisms using machine learning and data science methods; and identifying, annotating and interpreting genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic changes in human diseases, such as cancers, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Under his leadership, the mission of the Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is to effectively tap the almost unlimited potential of rapidly evolving large-scale data sets and computational tools in biomedical research, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaborations that leverage the expertise of many disciplines to reveal new actionable knowledge.
Education and Training
2010: Postdoctoral associate, Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University
2009: PhD, Computer Science, Yale University
2003: M.Phil., Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong
1999: B.Eng., Computer Engineering, The University of Hong Kong
Related Disease
Biliary Atresia, Cancer, Diabetes – General, Hirschsprung Disease, Liver Cancer, Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Type 2 Diabetes
Phenomena or Processes
Cancer Epigenetics, Gene Regulation, Oncogenes, Posttranslational Modification, Transcriptional Regulation, Tumor Microenvironment
Anatomical Systems and Sites
Endocrine System, General Cell Biology, Immune System and Inflammation, Liver
Research Models
Computational Modeling
Techniques and Technologies
Bioinformatics, Comparative Genomics, Genomics, Machine Learning, Protein-Protein Interactions, Systems Biology
The Yip lab studies gene regulatory mechanisms by means of computational modeling. To facilitate their data-centric approach, they develop novel methods for analyzing large amounts of biological data, including those produced by cutting-edge high-throughput experiments. Their computational models provide a systematic way to investigate the functional effects of different types of perturbations to regulatory mechanisms, which creates testable hypotheses for studying human diseases and facilitates translational research.
May 5, 2026Qualcomm co-founder Andrew Viterbi gives $5 million to Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute to advance AI-powered research
May 5, 2026The $5 million gift will endow the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Distinguished Chair in the Center for Data Science and…
Jul 11, 2025Cutting to the core of how 3D structure shapes gene activity
Jul 11, 2025New method can measure how secluded genomic regions are in 3D space and then link 3D position to gene activity.
Aug 27, 2024Simulating science or science fiction?
Aug 27, 2024In the Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, simulation-based techniques help scientists find new potential treatments.
- Aug 13, 2024
Dodging AI and other computational biology dangers
Aug 13, 2024Sanford Burnham Prebys scientists say that understanding the potential pitfalls of using artificial intelligence and computational biology techniques in biomedical…
- Aug 8, 2024
Scripting their own futures
Aug 8, 2024At Sanford Burnham Prebys Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, students embrace computational methods to enhance their research careers
May 11, 2023New algorithm can predict diabetic kidney disease
May 11, 2023Researchers from Sanford Burnham Prebys and the Chinese University of Hong Kong have developed a computational approach to predict whether…
Dr. Yu Xin (Will) Wang received his PhD at the University of Ottawa where he identified cellular asymmetry and polarity mechanisms regulating muscle stem cell self-renewal and skeletal muscle regeneration. He then carried out postdoctoral training at Stanford University School of Medicine developing single cell multi-omic approaches to characterize the regenerative process and what goes awry with disease and aging.
“I’ve always had a passion for science and became fascinated with how the body repairs and heals itself when I was introduced to the potential of stem cells in regenerative medicine. I was struck by the ability of a small pool of muscle stem cells that can rebuild and restore the function of muscle. My lab at Sanford Burnham Prebys aims to better understanding the repair process and harness our body’s ability to heal in order to combat chronic diseases and even counteract aging.“
Education and Training
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Stanford University School of Medicine
PhD in Cellular Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada
BS in Biomedical Sciences, University of Ottawa, Canada
Prestigious Funding Awards
2020: NINDS K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award
Honors and Recognition
Governor General’s Gold Medal – Canada
Related Disease
Aging-Related Diseases, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Arthritis, Cachexia, Inflammatory/Autoimmune Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Myopathy, Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases, Sarcopenia/Aging-Related Muscle Atrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Phenomena or Processes
Adult/Multipotent Stem Cells, Aging, Cell Signaling, Development and Differentiation, Epigenetics, Exercise, Extracellular Matrix, Neurogenesis, Organogenesis, Regenerative Biology, Transcriptional Regulation
Anatomical Systems and Sites
Immune System and Inflammation, Musculoskeletal System, Nervous System
Research Models
Clinical and Transitional Research, Computational Modeling, Human Adult/Somatic Stem Cells, Mouse
Techniques and Technologies
3D Image Analysis, Bioinformatics, Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Gene Knockout (Complete and Conditional), Genomics, High Content Imaging, High-Throughput/Robotic Screening, Live Cell Imaging, Machine Learning, Microscopy and Imaging, Proteomics, Transplantation
The Wang lab is interested in elucidating critical cell-cell interactions that mediate the function of tissue-specific stem cells during regeneration and disease, with a focus on how a coordinated immune response can promote regeneration and how autoimmunity impacts tissue function and hinder repair.
Specifically, the Wang lab aims to identify cellular and molecular crosstalk between muscle, nerve, and immune systems to develop targeted therapies that overcome autoimmune neuromuscular disorders and autoimmune aspects of “inflammaging.”
Yu Xin (Will) Wang’s Research Report
The lab’s research is translationally oriented and utilizes interdisciplinary molecular, genetic, computational (machine learning and neural networks), and bioengineering approaches to view biology and disease from new perspectives. We combine multi-omics sequencing and imaging methods to resolve how different cell types work together after injury to repair tissues and restore function. We use a data-driven approach to identify targetable disease mechanisms and, through collaborations with other researchers and clinicians, develop therapies that promote regeneration. Visit our lab website to learn more.
Jun 12, 2025Turning back time on muscle stem cells to prevent frailty from aging
Jun 12, 2025Study from Dr. Will Wang’s lab finds a way to restore stem cells from aged muscle to become young again…
- Aug 20, 2024
Mapping the human body to better treat disease
Aug 20, 2024Scientists are investigating the inner workings of our bodies and the cells within them at an unprecedented level of detail.
- Aug 13, 2024
Dodging AI and other computational biology dangers
Aug 13, 2024Sanford Burnham Prebys scientists say that understanding the potential pitfalls of using artificial intelligence and computational biology techniques in biomedical…
Oct 11, 2023Inhibiting an enzyme associated with aging could help damaged nerves regrow and restore strength
Oct 11, 2023New research has demonstrated a way to accelerate recovery from peripheral nerve injury by targeting an enzyme that was thought…
Jan 26, 2023Three big questions for cutting-edge biologist Will Wang
Jan 26, 2023Will Wang’s spatial omics approach to studying neuromuscular diseases is unique.
Nov 23, 2022Yu Xin (Will) Wang joins Sanford Burnham Prebys to advance regenerative medicine
Nov 23, 2022Molecular biologist Yu Xin (Will) Wang, PhD, has joined Sanford Burnham Prebys as an assistant professor in the Development, Aging,…
Dr. Xiao Tian participates in the Degenerative Diseases Program and the Cancer Genome and Epigenetics Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys. He started his lab in 2024 to understand the fundamental biology of aging and its contribution to age-related diseases. He joined the Institute after his postdoctoral research in Dr. David Sinclair’s lab at Harvard Medical School where he co-wrote the Information Theory of Aging. He obtained his BS from Shandong University and his PhD from the University of Rochester where he worked with Dr. Vera Gorbunova.
Education
2018-2023: Postdoc, Harvard Medical School
2016-2018: Postdoc, University of Rochester
2010-2016: PhD, Biology of Aging, University of Rochester
2005-2009: BS, Microbial Technology, Shandong University
Honors and Awards
2020-2026: K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Awards, NIH/NIA
2019-2020: NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship, NASA Ames Research Center
2017: Outstanding Dissertation Award for the Natural Sciences, University of Rochester
2015: Messersmith Dissertation Fellowship, University of Rochester
2014: Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad, China Scholarship Council
2010-2014: Holtfreter Fellowship, University of Rochester
2007: Weichai Power Scholarship, Shandong University
2006-2008: Excellent Student Scholarship, Shandong University
Related Disease
Aging-Related Diseases, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cancer
Phenomena or Processes
Aging, Epigenetics, Genomic Instability, Neurodegeneration
Research Models
Computational Modeling, Mouse, Naked Mole Rat, Primary Human Cells
Techniques and Technologies
Bioinformatics, Epigenomics, Gene Expression, Gene Knockout (Complete and Conditional), High-Throughput/Robotic Screening, Mouse Behavioral Analysis
The Tian lab studies the fundamental mechanisms of aging and their roles in the onset of age-related diseases. Our recent research in epigenetic reprogramming and aging clocks indicates that the progressive loss of epigenetic information over time is a key driver of aging. The current research of the lab focuses on understanding how the epigenetic landscape is set up and maintained and investigating why the maintenance system fails which leads to aging and related diseases including cancer and neurodegeneration. Building on this, our ultimate goal is to develop safe and effective rejuvenation strategies to counteract aging.
Xiao Tian’s Research Report
Below are my major contributions to the field of aging research during my PhD and postdoc work:
Uncovering the first anti-cancer and longevity mechanism of the naked mole rat
We identified high-molecular-mass hyaluronan (HMM HA) as a critical mechanism for the cancer resistance of the naked mole-rat cells. Furthermore, we found that this anti-cancer and longevity mechanism from naked mole rats can be integrated into other species, highlighting the significant implications of identifying new mechanisms from long-lived species. Our goal is to decipher how long-lived organisms control the pace of aging and deter age-related diseases.
Discovering enhanced DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair in long-lived species
Using a group of 18 species, we revealed that long-lived species possess efficient DNA double-strand break repair, mediated by potent SIRT6 activities. Future directions include deciphering how long-lived species address different types of cellular stress to maintain genomic and epigenomic stability.
Epigenetic reprogramming as a strategy to counteract aging and age-related diseases
We illustrated that epigenetic information loss as a result of DNA damage repair is a key driver of aging. One interventional strategy is to recover the lost epigenetic information, such as through reprogramming. We revealed that epigenetic reprogramming is an effective strategy to counteract aging and even potentially modify the trajectory of age-related diseases including glaucoma. We are currently testing other disease settings.
Oct 24, 2024A Conversation About Aging and Cancer at Sanford Burnham Prebys
Oct 24, 2024The Institute recently welcomed members of the community for an engaging afternoon focused on the intersection of aging and cancer….
Feb 29, 2024Time to talk about aging research
Feb 29, 2024Hundreds of scientists gather in San Diego and virtually to share knowledge on the science of aging
Feb 13, 2024With the help of naked mole rats, Xiao Tian seeks to expose and explain the epigenetic drivers of aging
Feb 13, 2024Getting older is inevitable, but aging may be optional, or at least a treatable condition. Increasingly, researchers are parsing the…
Nov 2, 2023La Jolla’s Sanford Burnham Prebys adding six scientists in hopes of launching new era of collaboration
Nov 2, 2023The newcomers, brought in with help from a $70 million donation, are versed in different technologies that can be applied…
Aug 2, 2023Big Data. Bigger Opportunities.
Aug 2, 2023New and rapidly developing technologies, such as cryo-electron (cryo-EM) and artificial intelligence, are providing the tools to revolutionize biomedical research,…
Lukas Chavez is an Associate Professor at the Sanford Burnham Prebys. He is also the Director of the Clayes Research Center for Neuro-Oncology at the Institute for Genomic Medicine at the Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego. In this role, he works with a team of physicians and scientists to capture genomic, transcriptomic, epigenetic and functional data from pediatric brain tumor patients, and uses this information to improve diagnosis and treatment. His research interests focus on structural variants as well as circular extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in childhood cancers. These extrachromosomal DNA circles are frequently found in highly aggressive solid tumors and represent a new target for improved therapeutic approaches.
Education
2010: PhD, Free University, Berlin
Honors and Recognition
2020: St. Baldrick’s Scholar Award, St. Baldrick’s Foundation
2019: Award of Excellence in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, Society of Neuro-Oncology
2012–2015: Feodor-Lynen Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers, Alexander-von-Humboldt Foundation
Related Disease
Brain Cancer, Cancer
Phenomena or Processes
Cancer Biology, Cancer Epigenetics, Chromosome Dynamics, Combinatorial Therapies, Gene Regulation, Genomic Instability, Oncogenes, Transcriptional Regulation
Anatomical Systems and Sites
Brain
Research Models
Clinical and Transitional Research, Computational Modeling, Cultured Cell Lines, Human, Human Cell Lines, Mouse
Techniques and Technologies
Bioinformatics, Cell Biology, Computational Biology, Computational Modeling, Gene Expression, Gene Silencing, Genomics, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)
Jun 9, 2026Using patient-derived research models to study deadly DNA loops
Jun 9, 2026Study from the Chavez lab shows significant similarities between human tumor samples and mouse cancer models created from said samples.
Dec 12, 2025Sanford Burnham Prebys scientists garner eight cancer research grants from Curebound to advance therapeutic treatments and cures
Dec 12, 2025Ten scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute were awarded eight grants yesterday from Curebound, a San Diego-based philanthropic organization
Aug 15, 2025Zombie cancer cells give cold shoulder to chemotherapy
Aug 15, 2025Study shows that combining chemotherapy with targeted treatment for these lumbering cells improves outcomes in mice.
Aug 13, 2025Chavez joins NIH Cancer Genetics Study Section
Aug 13, 2025Lukas Chavez, PhD, has been named a standing member of the Cancer Genetics Study Section at the National Institutes…
Apr 14, 2025Cancer drug finds new purpose in the brain
Apr 14, 2025Scientists show that a cancer drug travels to and shrinks some brain tumors, which may lead to new therapies.
- Aug 6, 2024
Coding clinic
Aug 6, 2024Rapidly evolving computational tools may unlock vast archives of untapped clinical information—and help solve complex challenges confronting healthcare providers