Chen Zhao

Dr. Chen Zhao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and a member of the Immune Oncology Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. He holds dual roles as a physician-scientist with expertise in hematopathology and cancer research. His academic journey includes an MD from China Medical University (1993), a PhD from Keio University School of Medicine (2002), and postdoctoral training at Duke University under Dr. Tannishtha Reya.

Research Interests: Dr. Zhao’s work focuses on understanding mechanisms governing hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) self-renewal, leukemia/lymphoma pathogenesis, and the bone marrow microenvironment. Key projects include investigating HSF1’s role in AML stem cells and B-myeloid lineage conversion in lymphoid malignancies. His lab employs genetic models, small molecule inhibitors, and clinical correlations to explore therapeutic targets.

• HSF1 as a Driver of AML Stem Cell Self-Renewal
• NF-κB/Notch Signaling in B-Cell Lymphoma Transformation
• B-Myeloid Lineage Plasticity Mechanisms

Labs/Teams: The Zhao Lab at CWRU integrates basic and translational approaches, collaborating with institutions like University Hospitals and the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center. Recent findings include HSF1’s clinical utility as an AML progression marker and insights into clonal evolution in CLL/myeloid conversions.