Ching-Hong Yang
- Distinguished Professor, Biological Sciences
Education
- Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, Riverside and University of California, Davis
- PhD, University of California, Riverside
Research Interests
Innovative Antimicrobial Development: Research in the Yang Lab focuses on developing innovative, eco-friendly antimicrobial solutions that bridge fundamental microbiology and real-world agricultural applications. One key outcome from this lab is RejuAgro A (RAA), a novel antimicrobial metabolite produced by Pseudomonas soli 0617-T307. Through discovery, characterization, and extensive multi-year field trials, RAA has demonstrated strong efficacy against major crop diseases, including Erwinia amylovora (fire blight of apple and pear), Huanglongbing (HLB), Xanthomonas citri (citrus canker), and Xanthomonas arboricola (walnut blight). Mechanistic studies revealed RAA’s novel multi-component mode of action, integrating direct antimicrobial activity against plant pathogens, host-mediated disease suppression, and mitigation of HLB-associated oxidative stress. This integrated mechanism supports broad-spectrum disease control and represents a distinct mode of action with reduced likelihood of cross-resistance to existing antimicrobial classes. In parallel, this team has developed Type III Secretion System (T3SS) inhibitors (T3SSIs) as a new class of antivirulence compounds that disarm pathogenic bacteria without killing them, thereby minimizing selective pressure for resistance. Multi-state field trials have demonstrated that T3SSIs significantly reduce blossom blight incidence.
Functional Genomic Exploration: This project aims to utilize genomic analysis techniques to uncover and understand the roles of genes associated with pathogenic behaviors in bacterial pathogens, particularly concerning host interactions and environmental responses. Paired with the comprehensive genome sequences of microorganisms, researchers in this lab employ genetic and functional genomic tools as a robust method to discern microbial gene expressions across diverse environments. This aids in identifying genes within bacterial pathogens associated with the secondary messenger cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP), the type III secretion regulon, and pectinase production, providing insights into their pathogenic behaviors, especially in their interactions with hosts and environmental stimuli. They emphasize the study of c-di-GMP, which is crucial in regulating bacterial pathogenesis, including biofilm formation, motility, and virulence factors. This signaling molecule intricately influences the type III secretion system (T3SS), a mechanism used by pathogens to inject virulence factors into host cells, demonstrating a complex interplay between bacterial virulence, environmental adaptation, and host interaction. By dissecting the genetic mechanisms behind c-di-GMP signaling, T3SS, and other virulence factors, this project paves the way for creating innovative virulence inhibitors. These inhibitors target novel antimicrobial mechanisms, potentially refining strategies to fight bacterial infections.
Advancements in Microbial Ecology: The goal of this project is to innovate novel methodologies to analyze microbial diversity associated with plants and to investigate the impacts of virulence inhibitors on related microbial communities. The quantitative characterization of microbial communities stands at the forefront of microbial ecology advancements. Modern molecular ecology techniques are facilitating transformative insights into microbial community dynamics in their natural habitats. A specific area of intrigue for this team is devising fresh methodologies to assess microbial diversity associated with plants. Recent efforts are focused on discerning the effects of virulence inhibitors on the microbial communities associated with plants.