Our laboratory focuses on understanding the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms of human disorders and aging. We are striving for EAF (E = Evolutionary analysis; A = Association study; F = Functional assay), Easy And Fun.

Current research has three major concentrations:

(1) Genetic basis and molecular mechanism for neurologic disorders and immunologic diseases;
(2) Mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases and drug addiction
(3) Biology of Chinese tree shrews.

In addition, students in Yao lab are encouraged to develop their own interdisciplinary projects.