Laboratory Introduction
Dr. Yinwen Liang obtained the bachelor’s degree from Xiamen University and Ph.D. Degree from Tsinghua University, followed up by postdoc training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA. Prior to Joining CIMR, Dr. Liang has been promoted to senior scientist at MSKCC. Dr. Liang will become an independent Principal Investigator (PI) at CIMR in January 2026. The Liang lab at CIMR investigates the fundamental questions of embryonic development and tissue homeostasis, with emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of cilia biology and Hedgehog signaling pathway. The long-term goal is to translate mechanistic insights into therapeutic strategy for ciliopathies and HH driven brain tumor such as medulloblastoma. The team will integrate cutting edge animal models, human genetics and multi-omics approaches to drive these studies.
Major Research Projects
a. Identifying novel regulators of the ciliary gene regulatory network.
b. Dissecting cell-type-specific cilia formation and morphological diversity.
c. Revealing the molecular mechanisms of ciliopathies and SHH-medulloblastoma.
Major Contributions
a. Discovered transcription factors SP5 and SP8 as key transcriptional regulators in cilia formation (Science, 2025).
b. Uncovered the mechanisms of intraflagellar transport machinery and cilia assembly (Current Biology, 2018; Developmental Cell, 2014a; Developmental Cell, 2014b).
c. Revealed molecular insights into ciliopathies and SHH-medulloblastoma (Science, 2025; eLife, 2025; Journal of Cell Biology, 2018; American Journal of Human Genetics, 2018).
Representative Publications
Liang Y#, Koche R, Chalamalasetty RB, Stephen DN, Kennedy MW, Lao Z, Pang Y, Kuo YY, Lee M, Lobo FP, Huang X, Hadjantonakis AK, Yamaguchi TP, Anderson KV, Joyner AL#. Transcription factors SP5 and SP8 drive primary cilia formation in mammalian embryos. Science, 2025, 389 (6763): eadt5663. DOI: 10.1126/science. adt5663
Lao Z, Nagar SE, Liang Y, Stephen DN, Joyner AL. PTEN restrains SHH medulloblastma growth through cell autonomous and nonautonomous mechanisms. eLife, 2025. DOI: 10.7554/eLife.108190.1
Liang Y, Zhu X, Wu Q, Pan J. Ciliary Length Sensing Regulates IFT Entry via Changes in FLA8/KIF3B Phosphorylation to Control Ciliary Assembly. Current Biology, 2018, 28(15): 2429-2435.e3. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.05.069
Agbu SO*, Liang Y*, Liu A, Anderson KV. The small GTPase RSG1 controls a final step in primary cilia initiation. Journal of Cell Biology, 2018, 217(1): 413-427. DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201604048
Liang Y*, Pang Y*, Wu Q, Hu Z, Han X, Xu Y, Deng H, Pan J. FLA8/KIF3B phosphorylation regulates kinesin-II interaction with IFT-B to control IFT entry and turnaround. DevelopmentalCell, 2014, 30(5): 585-97. DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2014.07.019 (Highlighted by Craige B and Witman G. Flipping a Phosphate Switch on Kinesin-II to Turn IFT Around. Developmental Cell, 2014, DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2014.08.019)
Laboratory website: https://www.cimrbj.ac.cn/en/channel/1987806090376646656.html
Open Positions: Research Assistant Investigator
Main Responsibilities
a. Conduct research independently under the guidance of the PI.
b. Assist in supervising graduate students and in writing research papers and grant proposals.
Qualifications
a. A Ph.D. in cell biology, developmental biology, neurology, bioinformatics or related fields, with at least 3 years of postdoctoral research experience.
b. A strong publication record, evidenced by first-author publications in reputable journals.
c. Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and mentor graduate students, with a strong passion for scientific research.
d. High proficiency in written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate effectively and prepare manuscripts.
Welfare Treatment
a. Competitive salary based on the applicant’s work experience and ability (salary negotiable).
b. Social insurance and housing fund, supplementary medical insurance, physical examination and paid annual leave.
c. Opportunities for career development and available professional guidance.
How to apply
Please email the following documents to a single PDF to: liangyinwen@cimrbj.ac.cn, and indicate the applicant's name and specific job position in the email subject.
a. Updated CV with contact information.
b. Short summary of research experience and interests.
c. Names and contact details of two or three references.
Contact person: Dr. Yinwen Liang
This recruitment is valid for the long term until a suitable candidate is recruited.
10 Xitoutiao, Youanmen Wai, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China
010-86738999
cimr@cimrbj.ac.cn
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