David C. Chan

David C. Chan is the Harold and Violet Alvarez Professor of Biology and Dean of Graduate Studies at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He holds a dual M.D./Ph.D. from Harvard Medical School and an A.B. from Harvard College. His research focuses on mitochondrial dynamics, exploring their molecular mechanisms, physiological roles, and implications in diseases such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and mitochondrial encephalomyopathies.

Education:

• A.B., Harvard College, 1988
• M.D. and Ph.D., Harvard Medical School, 1996

Research Interests:
Dr. Chan’s lab investigates mitochondrial fusion/fission, mitophagy, and their roles in cellular function. Key areas include:

• Mitochondrial membrane fusion mechanisms (e.g., mitofusins, OPA1)
• Fission regulation via Drp1 and receptors like MFF
• Pathological consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders

Publications:
Recent work highlights studies on lipid profiles in mitochondrial-deficient cells, mitophagy’s role in ferroptosis resistance, and OPA1’s structural role in cristae remodeling. These findings underscore mitochondrial dynamics as central to cellular health and disease progression.

Awards:

• Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigator (2008–2014)

Lab & Collaborations:
His group employs genetics, biochemistry, and structural biology to dissect mitochondrial processes. Ongoing projects include modeling mitochondrial diseases (e.g., CMT2A) and exploring therapeutic targets for mitochondrial dysfunction.