Jixiang Ding, PhD is an Associate Professor in the University of Louisville School of Dentistry Department of Oral Immunology & Infectious Diseases. 

The research in Dr. Ding’s laboratory is aiming to elucidate the molecular basis of orofacial congenital diseases through understanding the molecular pathways and genetic programs that control normal embryonic processes during orofacial development, differentiation, morphogenesis and patterning.  Ongoing studies address the functions of several key signaling pathways in craniofacial malformation such as cleft palate using genetically manipulated mouse models. We have also addressed the molecular mechanisms control oral epithelial differentiation and its possible relationship with cell transformation. The results from these studies will provide significant insights into the mechanisms underlying facial abnormality and oral carcinogenesis, two extremely common health problems in United States and worldwide.