Taosheng Huang MD, Ph.D.

Taosheng Huang

Taosheng Huang
MD, Ph.D.

Professor and Division Chief, Genetics

Department of Pediatrics

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences


Specialty/Research Focus

Clinical Biochemical Genetics; Clinical Genetics; Clinical Molecular Genetics; Clinical Research; Genomics and proteomics; Inherited Metabolic Disorders; Metabolic Disorders; Metabolism; Molecular and Cellular Biology; Molecular Basis of Disease; Molecular diagnostics; Molecular genetics; Pediatric Genetics; Pediatrics

Contact Information
UBMD Pediatrics
Division of Genetics
1001 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: (716) 323-0040
Fax: (716) 323-0292
thuang29@buffalo.edu


Patient Care

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

View this physician on UBMD


Professional Summary:

I am a physician-scientist with substantial experience in translational research and mitochondrial medicine. My focus is on the integration of research, molecular testing and clinical service to improve the care of patients. Recently, I have been recruited to be the Chief of Genetics for Pediatrics at SUNY Buffalo, Director of Genetics & Metabolism at Oishei Children’s Hospital and Program Director of Clinical Cancer Genetics at Great Lakes Cancer Center. Previously, I served for eight years as Professor in Human Genetics, Director of the Program of Mitochondrial Medicine and Director of the Molecular Diagnostic laboratory at Cincinnati Children‘s Hospital Medical Center. My goal is to advance both UB and Oishei Children’s Hospital by bringing my cutting-edge research program and personnel from my previous institute, along with my 25 years of experience in clinical genetics. In addition, as the Chief of Genetics, I will help recruit additional experts in the field and attract new trainees to build up the research and clinical genetics environment at UB.

Clinically, I am interested in the genetics of mitochondrial diseases, genetic syndromes with congenital cardiac defects, newborn screening, and prenatal screening and diagnosis. I am also actively committed to the training of junior faculty, clinical and research fellows, a commitment that I will continue to follow at UB. Many of my trainees have become independent investigators and/or serve as lab directors in molecular diagnostic labs and cytogenetic labs.

My primary research interest is in ground-breaking translational research into the basis of mitochondrial disease. My group has published over 120 articles on a variety of topics, ranging from genetic syndromes to molecular mechanisms. Our research on mitochondrial replacement therapy in collaboration with Dr. John Zhang was ranked among the top 10 stories in 2016 by Nature and Science. Our discovery on paternal mtDNA was also ranked in the top 10 publications from 2019 by Nature. We plan to continue our research into novel disease-causing genes related to mitochondrial dysfunction, studying their pathogenic mechanisms and developing therapeutic treatments. Recently, we have shown that gene therapy based on the adeno-associated virus system can dramatically rescue the neurodegenerative phenotype in several of our mouse models of mitochondrial disease. Given these exciting results, we hope to eventually conduct clinical trials that will help translate these approaches into viable bedside treatments. In the long term, my vision is to apply these discoveries from rare, primary mitochondrial disorders to common conditions, such as aging, neurodegeneration and diabetes.

Education and Training:

  • Fellowship, Harvard Medical School Howard Hughes Medical Institute (1999)
  • Fellowship, Genetics and Metabolism, Harvard Medical School (1999)
  • Residency, Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical Center (1996)
  • Internship, Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical Center (1994)
  • Fellowship, American Red Cross Jerome H. Holland Laboratory (1993)
  • PhD, Biomedical Science, Mount Sinai Medical School (1991)
  • MS, Biochemistry, Third Military Medical College (1986)
  • MD, Medicine, Fujian Medical College (1983)

Employment:

  • Division Chief, Genetics, UBMD Pediatrics (2020-present)
  • Division Chief, Human Genetics, UBMD Pediatrics (2020-present)
  • Medical Director, Genetics & Metabolism, Oishei Children's Hospital (2020-present)
  • Professor, Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2020-present)
  • Program Director, Clinical Cancer Genetics, Great Lakes Cancer Center (2020-present)
  • Guest Professor, Nanchang University (2019-present)
  • Director, Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Cincinnati Children‘s Hospital Medical Center (2016–2020)
  • Professor, Human Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (2012–2020)
  • Program Director, Mitochondrial Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (2012–2020)
  • Professor, Nanchang University (2017–2019)
  • Associate Director, Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (2012–2016)
  • Honorable Professor, Peking Union Medical College (2011–2016)
  • Staff Physician, Orange County Children’s Hospital (2009–2012)
  • Associate Professor (Joint Appointment), Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine College of Medicine (2008–2012)
  • Associate Professor (Joint Appointment), Pathology, University of California, Irvine College of Medicine (2008–2012)
  • Associate Professor (Joint Appointment), Developmental Biology, University of California, Irvine School of Biological Science (2008–2012)
  • Associate Professor (Tenured), Pediatrics and Genetics, University of California, Irvine College of Medicine (2008–2012)
  • Consultant Physician, Long Beach Memorial Hospital (2007–2012)
  • Director, MitoMed Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, University of California, Irvine (2004–2012)
  • Medical Staff, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center (2004–2012)
  • Attending Physician, Pediatrics and Genetics, University of California, Irvine College of Medicine (2001–2012)
  • Director, Cardiovascular Genetic Clinic, University of California, Irvine (2001–2012)
  • Medical Director and Consultant, Ambry Genetics (2008–2010)
  • Assistant Professor, Pathology, University of California, Irvine College of Medicine (2004–2008)
  • Assistant Professor, Developmental Biology, University of California, Irvine School of Biological Science (2001–2008)
  • Assistant Professor (Tenure Track), Pediatrics and Genetics, University of California, Irvine College of Medicine (2001–2008)
  • Assistant Professor, Medicine, Harvard Medical School (1999–2001)
  • Attending Physician, Boston Children’s Hospital (1999–2001)
  • Instructor, Genetics, Harvard Medical School (1999–2001)
See all (19 more)

Awards and Honors:

  • SCAPE Achievement in Discovery Award (2017)
  • University of California, Irvine College of Medicine: Junior Physician-Scientist Award (2004)
  • University of California, Irvine College of Medicine: Second Place Research Award (2003)
  • Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School: Farley Fellowship (1998)
  • Georgetown University‘s Children‘s Medical Center: Resident Research Award (1996)
  • National Health Institute/Harvard Medical School: Fellowship Training Grant (1996)
  • Society of Chinese Biomedical Scientists in America: Third Place SCBA Poster Competition (1990)
  • American Society of Virology: Predoctoral Travel Fellowship (1989)
  • National Health Institute: Clinical Associate Physician Award (1999-2004)

Research Expertise:

  • Clinical Genetics
  • Human Genetics
  • Metabolism
  • Mitochondrial Medicine
  • Pathogenic Mechanisms
  • Translational Research

Grants and Sponsored Research:

  • December 2021–December 2024
    The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation Equipment Grant
    The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $338,000
  • April 2019–March 2024
    Molecular Mechanism of Biallelic Mutations of FDXR Causing Novel Mitochondriopathy with Optic Atrophy
    NIH-National Eye Institute
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $1,250,000
  • April 2018–March 2023
    Exploration of the genetic basis and molecular mechanism for paternal mitochondrial DNA inheritance.
    NIH-National Institute of Child Health & Development
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $1,200,000
  • April 2019–March 2021
    Causal Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunctions in Aging by Analyzing an Epigenetic Clock in Patients with Mitochondrial DNA Mutations
    NIH-National Institute of Aging
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $250,000
  • September 2012–August 2019
    Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation Grant.
    Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $2,000,000
  • April 2016–March 2018
    Molecular pathogenesis of SLC25A46 mutations in optic atrophy, axonal neuropathy, and cerebellar neurodegeneration
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $500,000
  • April 2008–March 2014
    Genetics studies of optic atrophy
    NIH-National Eye Institute
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $1,000,000
  • January 2011–January 2013
    Genetic and iPS Cell studies.
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $150,000
  • July 2005–December 2011
    Studies of the TBX5 targets
    Larry & Helen Hoag Foundation
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $300,000
  • March 2008–June 2011
    The role of TBX3 in Human Embryos Stem Cell Differentiation Minority Supplement for Taraneh Esmailpour
    NIH-National Cancer Institute
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $250,000
  • July 2007–June 2011
    Intracellular Network of TBX3 in breast cancer
    NIH-National Cancer Institute
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $750,000
  • April 2006–March 2008
    Transgenic TBX3 Animal Model to study breast cancer
    Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $240,000
  • July 2001–June 2004
    Faculty Development (Howard Hughes)
    Howard Hughes Medical Research Program
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $180,000
  • April 1999–March 2004
    Clinical Associate Physician Award (K23): The Molecular Basis of Phenotypic Variability in Holt-Oram Syndrome.
    NIH
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $650,000
See all (4 more)

Journal Articles:

See all (101 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • Slone J, Huang T. (2020) Goodman’s Medical Cell Biology, 4th Edition. In: Mitochondria and Disease. Elsevier
  • Li Z, Slone J, Wu L, Huang T. (2018) Neurodegeneration. In: Neurodegenerative Diseases Associated with Mutations in SLC25A46. IntechOpen
  • LaFerla FM, Huang T, Bieberich CJ, Jay G. (1995) Strategies in transgenic animal science. In: Transgenic Strategy for Studying Viral Pathogenesis. ASM Press, 89-106.

Professional Memberships:

  • International Society of Reproductive Genetics; Board of Director (2019–2023)
  • Association of Chinese Geneticists in America (2018–present)
  • Canada Foundation for Innovation (2010–present)
  • American Medical Association (2005–present)
  • American College of Medical Genetics: Fellow (2003–present)
  • Western Society for Pediatric Research (2001–present)
  • American Society of Human Genetics (1999–present)
  • American Academy of Pediatrics (1995–present)
  • American Association for Advancement of Science (1988–present)

Presentations:

  • "GENE THERAPY & GENETIC DISEASES" PRECISION MEDICINE AND BIG DATA ZOOM CONFERENCE (2020)
  • "Gene Therapy and Genetic Diseases" Precision Medicine and Big Data Zoom Conference (2020)
  • "GENE THERAPY & GENETIC DISEASES" ZOOM CONFERENCE; SHANGHAI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL (2020)
  • "Gene Therapy and Genetic Diseases" Zoom Conference; Shanghai Children's Hospital (2020)
  • "Organizing Committee Member" 5th Global Congress on Pediatrics & Neonatology (2020)
  • "Mitochondria and Reproductive Medicine" ; International Society of Reproductive Genetics (ISRG) (2019)
  • "New Insights into Mitochondrial Medicine" Annual Meeting; Association of Chinese Geneticists in America; Keynote Speaker (2019)
  • "Mitochondria Health and Diseases" (2019)
  • "New Insights into Mitochondrial Medicine" ; Jiangxi Children's Hospital (2019)
  • "New Insights into Mitochondrial Medicine" ; Xinhua Hospital (2019)
  • "New Insights into Mitochondrial Medicine" ; Shanghai Children Hospital (2019)
  • "New Insights into Mitochondrial Medicine" ; Jiangxi Agricultural University (2019)
  • "New Insights into Mitochondrial Medicine, Keynote Speaker" World Chinese Pediatrician Conference-Qingdao (2019)
  • "Carrier Screening" ; Sichuan University, School of Medicine (2019)
  • "New Insights into Mitochondrial Medicine" ; Tulane University (2019)
  • "Mitochondria Health and Diseases" ; Wenzhou Medical University (2018)
  • "Mitochondria Health and Diseases" ; University of Iowa (2018)
  • "First Live Birth of Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy" 30th Anniversary of ART in China (2018)
  • "Medical Genetic System in USA" Annual Meeting National Society of Genetic Counseling (2018)
  • "Genetics of Mitochondrial Diseases" Annual Meeting on Women and Children’s Health; ; Keynote Speaker (2018)
  • "Genetics of Mitochondrial Diseases, Keynote speaker" Annual meeting on Women and Children’s Health (2018)
  • "Mitochondria Health and Diseases" CAMA Annual Lecture (2018)
  • "Mitochondrial Diseases" AY19 Neurogenetics Lectures (2018)
  • "Mitochondrial-Related Retinopathy" ; National Eye Institute, NIH (2017)
  • "First Live birth derived from oocyte spindle transfer to prevent mitochondrial disease" Annual Meeting; American Society of Human Genetics (2017)
  • "Organizing Committee Member" 3rd Annual Congress on Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs (2017)
  • "Mitochondria in Health & Disease" ; University at Buffalo (2017)
  • "Mitochondria in Health & Disease, Departmental Seminar" ; Indiana University (2017)
  • "Mitochondria in Health and Disease" Pediatric Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2017)
  • "Mitochondria in Health and Disease" Departmental Seminar; Indiana University (2017)
  • "Biallelic mutations in the ferredoxin reductase gene cause novel mitochondriopathy with optic atrophy" Annual Meeting; ACMGG (2017)
  • "Age-Related Accumulation of Somatic Mitochondrial DNA Mutations in Adult-Derived Human iPSCs" 2nd International Conference and Exhibition on Tissue Preservation and Bio-banking (2016)
  • "Can Left Ventricular Noncompaction be a Mitochondrial Disease?" ; Anzhen Hospital (2016)
  • "Cancer Genetics" Symposium of Quality Control Fuzhou Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis (2016)
  • "Current Status of Clinical Application of Genetic and Genomic Technologies" Symposium of Quality Control Fuzhou Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis (2016)
  • "Mitochondria and Precision Medicine" (2016)
  • "Mitochondria in Aging and iPS Cell Therapy" ; Nanchang University (2016)
  • "Mitochondria in Health and Disease" ; Zhejiang University (2016)
  • "Mitochondria in Health and Disease" ; Third Military Medical University (2016)
  • "Mitochondria in Health and Disease" ; Huaxi Hospital (2016)
  • "Mitochondria in Health and Disease" 2016 Summit on Rare Diseases (2016)
  • "Mitochondria in Health and Disease" ; Beijing University (2016)
  • "Mitochondria in Health and Disease" Global Chinese Geneticist Conference (2016)
  • "Mitochondria in Reproductive Medicine" World Congress of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (2016)
  • "Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy" Pediatric Development Forum & 2nd China-America Pediatric Summit Forum; Peking University (2016)
  • "Recent Advancement of Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT)" 2nd International Conference on Women and Children's Health (2016)
See all (36 more)

Service Activities:

  • 5th Global Congress on Pediatrics and Neonatology: Organizing Committee; Co-President (2020)
  • Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy Association; Advisory Board (2020–present)
  • Gene: Reviewer Board; Board Member (2020–present)
  • American Journal of Aging Science and Research; Editorial Board Member (2020–present)
  • Journal of Embryology & Stem Cell Research; Editorial Board Member (2020–present)
  • Journal of Genome Research and Genetic Therapies; Editorial Board Member (2020–present)
  • Association of Chinese Geneticists in America; President (2019–2021)
  • International Society of Reproductive Genetics; Board of Directors (2019–present)
  • Mitochondrion; Editorial Board Member (2019–present)
  • Association of Chinese Geneticists in America President-Elect (2017–2018)
  • 3rd Annual Congress on Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs: Organizing Committee; Committee Member (2017)
  • Annals of Pediatric Research; Editorial Board Member (2017–present)
  • Pediatric Research and Neonatal Care; Editorial Board Member (2017–present)
  • Progress in Ophthalmology and Vision Research; Editorial Board Member (2017–present)
  • Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology Research; Editorial Board Member (2017–present)
  • Journal of Ocular Diseases and Therapeutics; Editorial Board Member (2017–present)
  • Journal of Gene Therapy and Research; Editorial Board Member (2017–present)
  • Journal of Genetic, Molecular and Cellular Biology; Editorial Board Member (2017–present)
  • Journal of Genetics and Genomes; Editorial Board Member (2017–present)
  • 2nd International Conference on Women and Children's Health; Co-President (2016)
  • 2nd International Conference and Exhibition on Tissue Preservation and Bio-banking: Organizing Committee; Committee Member (2016)
  • Journal of Genetics and Molecular Biology; Editorial Board Member (2016–present)
  • SOJ Ophthalmology; Editorial Board Member (2016–present)
  • Nature Genomic Medicine; Editorial Board Member (2016–present)
  • Ophthalmic Surgery; Editorial Board Member (2016–present)
  • Journal of Perinatology and Pediatrics; Editorial Board Member (2016–present)
  • JSM Biology; Editorial Board Member (2016–present)
  • Henry Journal of Perinatology and Pediatrics; Editorial Board Member (2016–present)
  • CRESCO Journal of Reproductive Science; Editorial Board Member (2016–present)
  • Current Updates in Ophthalmology; Editorial Board Member (2016–present)
  • Gavin Journal of Pediatrics; Editorial Board Member (2016–present)
  • 1st International Conference on Women and Children's Health Co-Organizer (2015)
  • 1st International Conference on Women and Children's Health: Scientific Program Committee; Chairman (2015)
  • Chinese Medical Doctor Association: Standardized Residency and Fellowship Training Steering Committee; Committee Member (2015)
  • Journal of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Editorial Board Member (2015–present)
  • World Journal of Complex Medicine; Editorial Board Member (2015–present)
  • Beijing International Medical Center: Advisory Committee; Chair (2014–present)
  • American Journal of Stem Cells; Editorial Board Member (2013–present)
  • China California Heart Watch; Board of Directors (2012–2018)
  • Wellcome Trust; Grant Reviewer (2012)
  • University of California, Irvine: Committee on Committees; Committee Member (2011–present)
  • University of California, Irvine: Council On Research, Computing and Libraries; Committee Member (2011–present)
  • University of California, Irvine College of Medicine: Research Committee; Committee Member (2011–present)
  • University of California, Irvine College of Medicine: Mentoring Committee; Committee Member (2010–present)
  • Association of Chinese Geneticists in America; Board of Directors (2009–present)
  • University of California, Irvine: Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program Scholarship Oversight Committee; Committee Member (2006–2012)
  • American Heart Association, Western States Affiliate: Western Review Consortium Peer Review Committee; Committee Member (2005–2012)
  • Medical Research Council; Grant Reviewer (2005–present)
  • University of California, Irvine: General Clinical Research Center Data Safety Committee; Committee Member (2004–present)
  • University of California, Irvine: Assembly; School Representative (2003–2006)
  • University of California, Irvine: General Clinical Research Center; Advisory Committee (2001–2004)
  • American Chinese Medical Association Medical Director; Board of Directors (1999–2001)
  • American Chinese Medical Association, Northwestern Chapter; Vice President (1999–2001)

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Contact Information

UBMD Pediatrics
Division of Genetics
1001 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: (716) 323-0040
Fax: (716) 323-0292
thuang29@buffalo.edu

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

View this physician on UBMD