Gang Chen

Gang Chen, PhD is an Assistant Professor at the Marsico Lung Institute and Cystic Fibrosis Research Center within the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine. He is affiliated with the Division of Pediatric Pulmonology in the Department of Pediatrics and the Biological & Biomedical Sciences Program (BBSP).

• Education: B.S. and M.S. from Yangzhou University, PhD from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Postdoctoral training at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and UNC Chapel Hill.

Dr. Chen investigates transcriptional regulation of mucin production in chronic pulmonary diseases, focusing on Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), and Hyper-IgE Syndrome (AD-HIES). His work includes:

• Elucidating the SPDEF-FOXA3-ERN2-XBP1S axis in IPF pathogenesis
• Identifying IL-1β as a key driver of mucus hyperconcentration in CF
• Decoding STAT3 mutations causing mucociliary clearance defects in AD-HIES

His research integrates CRISPR-Cas9 technology, primary human epithelial cultures, and animal models to explore epithelial cell dysfunction and therapeutic interventions. Recent studies address SARS-CoV-2 mucus accumulation and non-CF bronchiectasis mechanisms.

Scientific Awards:

• American Lung Association Senior Research Training Fellowship (2012-2013)

Dr. Chen collaborates with experts at UNC, NIH, and Johns Hopkins. His lab develops in vitro lung cell models and investigates epithelial ER stress in fibrotic diseases, aiming to translate findings into clinical therapies for muco-obstructive lung conditions.