Yifei K. Yang, Ph.D.

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SUMMARY

Yifei K. Yang, Ph.D., is a laboratory medicine researcher at Mayo Clinic whose research aim is to translate biomarker discoveries into clinically validated in vitro diagnostic tests. To achieve this goal, Dr. Yang's work focuses on identifying diagnostic biomarkers using new-generation mass spectrometers by exploring their post-translational modification profiles in autoimmune and neoplastic conditions. Dr. Yang also studies ways to improve the efficiency and throughput of mass spectrometry-based clinical assays by implementing and evaluating process automations in both preanalytical and data analysis phases.

Focus areas

• Predicting malignancy risk in cancer. Dr. Yang uses high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify and quantify glycoforms of circulating protein biomarkers associated with liver and germ cell tumors. The glycosylation modification of these biomarkers may correlate with malignant progression and altered immune response in cancer.
• Evaluating novel biomarkers in autoimmune disorders. Dr. Yang collaborates with Mayo Clinic colleagues and industry teams to evaluate the analytical performance and clinical validity of emerging biomarkers in autoimmune disorders, including asthma and allergy.
• Designing and automating sample extraction processes for mass spectrometry analysis. In collaboration with both clinical and industrial teams, Dr. Yang designs and evaluates online and offline automation instrumentation and protocols to improve throughput and reproducibility for mass spectrometry-based assays.

Significance to patient care

Diagnostic assays play a pivotal role in medical evaluation and management of patients. Dr. Yang's research aspires to improve the diagnostic capacity of existing cancer and autoimmune biomarkers by profiling their post-translational modifications and correlating those with diseases and pathological conditions. Such information beyond genomic and proteomic profiles can offer diagnostic tests to patients with higher precision in an individualized manner.

Dr. Yang also aims to improve patient access to routine drug monitoring assays by increasing the efficiency and throughput of mass spectrometry-based toxicology assays. By combining instrumentation automation and algorithm-based result interpretation, Dr. Yang aims to reduce the economic burden of toxicology testing associated with long-term medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders.

Professional highlights

• Member, editorial advisory board, Clinical and Forensic Toxicology News, American Association of Clinical Chemistry, 2020-present
• Paul E. Strandjord Young Investigator Award, Academy of Clinical Laboratory Physicians and Scientists, 2017
• Innovation Cup Summer Camp Finalist, Merck Biopharma, 2016