Yang Chai

Welcome to the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology (CCMB).

CCMB is a research center located on the Health Sciences Campus of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. CCMB is a part of the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC.

The laboratory is funded through numerous federal and organization sponsored research grants. Many of these grants are from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, under which basic research is conducted into developmental, biochemical, and molecular biological aspects of human development with a special emphasis on craniofacial structures in both health and disease.

CCMB has world-renowned faculty members working with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research technicians and administrators. The Center represents a diverse group of women and men from all points of the globe.

This group has established an outstanding record of research accomplishments, making significant new discoveries to improve human health in areas such as:

  • Molecular genetics of tooth development
  • Molecular etiology of cleft lip and palate and rescue
  • Enamel matrix formation and biomineralization
  • Transcriptional control of craniofacial development
  • Stem cell mediated craniofacial tissue regeneration
  • Nanotechnology strategies for growth of bones and teeth
  • Wound healing
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Tooth root formation

Working together, we are advancing oral, dental, and craniofacial research toward solving problems in health and promoting the well-being of society.


Yang Chai, DDS, PhD

University Professor
George and MaryLou Boone Chair in Craniofacial Molecular Biology
Director, Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology