Versiti - Yan-Qing Ma, PhD | Versiti Blood Research Institute

Yan-Qing Ma, PhD

Yan-Qing  Yan-Qing  profile

Yan-Qing Ma, PhD

Senior Investigator

Thrombosis and Hemostasis

Senior Investigator
Blood Research Institute Versiti

Education and Training

Doctoral Training: Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Postdoctoral Training: Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic

Contact Information
  • 414-937-3881
  • 414-937-3881
  • The integrin family receptors deliver bidirectional signaling (inside-out and outside-in) across plasma membrane, by which they modulate cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Integrin signaling comprises a series of molecular events within cells that steer integrins to bridge the crosstalk between the extracellular milieu and the cytoplasmic signaling cascades. Integrin activation and activity are tightly modulated by integrin cytoplasmic tail binding proteins (ICBPs). The dialogue between integrins and the ICBPs defines the integrin activation states and functional activities. Malfunction of integrin signaling often leads to integrin-associated pathological alterations, such as inflammatory defect and bleeding disorder. The long-term goal of our research is to understand the detailed molecular regulations of integrin signaling and explore novel therapeutic opportunities for preventing and treating integrin-associated diseases.

    The ongoing research in our laboratory focuses on an important signaling adaptor molecule - Kindlin-3, which is one of the key ICBPs expressed in cells of hematopoietic origin. Kindlin-3 plays an essential role in supporting integrin signaling in blood cells. Deficiency of kindlin-3 causes type-III leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD-III) in human patients, marked with severe bleeding disorder and recurrent infections. Specifically, we investigate the mechanistical role of Kindlin-3 in platelets and myeloid cells in immunothrombosis under different pathological conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis and sepsis. The experimental approaches employed in our laboratory range from biochemical analysis, molecular biology, cellular mechanism, to small animal models. Our study may facilitate the development of more specific strategies for treating immunothrombotic complications in a whole host of diseases, including widespread COVID-19.

    Ma, YanQing. Research Fig. 02-18-22

    Ma, YanQing. Research Fig. 02-18-22

    • ASH Bridge Grant, Kindlin signaling in platelets. Role: PI (2021-2022)
    • NIH-NHLBI, 1R01HL15730, Kindlin-3 Signaling in Platelets. Role: PI (2022-2025)
    • NIH-NHLBI, 1R01HL16086, Kindlin-3 Signaling in Neutrophils. Role: PI (2022-2026)

    Zhen Xu, PhD
    Research Scientist II

    Marjorie Kipp
    Research Technologist

    Former lab trainees:
    Bin Wang, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow
    HuiHui Liu, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow
    Jiayi Cai, MD, Visiting Scholar
    Beiwen Ni, MD, Visiting Scholar
    Shuzhen Liu, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow
    Xiaofeng Shi, MD, Postdoctoral Fellow
    Huong Nguyen, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow

    Positions Available: 

    There are currently open positions in the Ma Lab, 2 Postdoctoral Fellows and 2 Research Technicians. See the Open Positions menu on this page for more detail or click here to visit them on the Versiti Careers website

    Positions Available:

    Click Here for Job Posting Site

    Postdoctoral positions available:
    Two (2) Postdoctoral Fellow
    positions are available at Versiti Blood Research Institute to conduct NIH-funded research projects. The successful candidates will use biochemical/structural/cellular approaches and small animal models to study the mechanistic role of Kindlin-3 in platelets and innate immune cells in immunothrombosis, which may lead to novel opportunities for developing more specific strategies for preventing and treating immunothrombotic complications in a whole host of diseases, including widespread COVID-19. Applicants should have a PhD and/or an MD degree in closely related fields and can perform experiments independently with a highly motivated attitude. Strong verbal and written communication skills in English are required. A very competitive annual salary and benefit package (including medical and dental insurance) will be offered.

    Technician/Technologist positions available
    Two (2) Research Technician/Technologist 
    positions are available at Versiti Blood Research Institute. The successful candidates should have some basic experimental skills in Cell Biology and/or Biochemistry, including but not limited to cell culture, western blotting, PCR, small animal handling, etc. Previous work experience in the field of Immunology and/or Hematology is preferred. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree with strong time management and efficient written/oral communication skills. A very competitive annual salary and benefit package will be offered.

    Interested candidates should send a cover letter, an updated CV, and contact information of three references to Dr. Yan-Qing Ma by email (yma@versiti.org). Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.

    Versiti Blood Research Institute located in Milwaukee is an internationally recognized leader in hematology, immunology, and stem cell research areas. The institute provides an excellent research environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive training programs for postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. As the largest city in the US state of Wisconsin, Milwaukee is a place where its residents truly love to live and enjoy, with its diversity, the richness of the arts in the community, and the low cost-of-living.

     
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