معرفی
Songhai Chen, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience and Pharmacology at the University of Iowa, with joint appointments in Internal Medicine and Surgery. He is affiliated with multiple centers including the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Iowa Neuroscience Institute.
Educational Background:
- MD, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- MS, Beijing Medical University (now Health Science Center, Peking University), Beijing, China
- PhD, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Resident, Department of Internal Medicine, Zhangzhou First Hospital, Fujian Province, China
- Fellow, Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Research Focus: The Chen Laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying G protein signaling in leukocyte migration and tumor metastasis. His work centers on understanding how Gβγ subunits orchestrate signaling complexes for directional cell migration, with particular emphasis on WD40 repeat-containing proteins like RACK1 as novel regulators of Gβγ signaling. Recent studies have revealed RACK1's role as a negative regulator of leukocyte migration through selective inhibition of PI3K and PLCβ pathways.
Research Areas: Current projects span cancer biology, immunology, and pharmacology, focusing on:
- Roles of RACK1 in immune responses and tumor metastasis
- Structural analysis of WD40-WD40 repeat interactions via x-ray crystallography
- Gβγ signaling in cancer stem cells and therapeutic resistance
- Live cell imaging of migration processes
Publication Trends: Dr. Chen's recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on G protein-coupled receptor signaling in cancer progression, particularly breast and prostate cancer. His work bridges basic science discoveries in Gβγ signaling with translational applications in cancer therapy, including identification of therapeutic targets and enhancement of existing treatments like paclitaxel.
Graduate Program Affiliations:
- Biomedical Science (Cancer Biology)
- Biomedical Science (Molecular Medicine)
- Biomedical Science (Pharmacology)
- Medical Scientist Training Program
