معرفی
Whasil Lee, Ph.D., is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rochester, with affiliations in Pharmacology & Physiology and the Center for Musculoskeletal Research (CMSR). His laboratory focuses on mechanotransduction mechanisms in musculoskeletal cells, particularly the role of mechanically activated ion channels like Piezo1, Piezo2, and TRPV4 in osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal diseases. Key research areas include understanding how mechanical stimuli drive cellular responses and developing therapies targeting these pathways.
Dr. Lee teaches Introduction to Cell Mechanics and Mechanobiology (BME 265/465) and Structure and Analysis of Biomolecules (BME/PHP 468). He also contributes to ethics training via IND 501/506 – Ethics and Professional Integrity in Research.
His lab has secured significant NIH grants, including R01AR082349 and R35GM147054, to study mechanotransduction-inflammation coupling and chondrocyte vulnerability. Recent work highlights exercise-driven adaptations in cartilage and the role of PIEZO1 downregulation in rotator cuff injuries.
Collaborations span clinical and basic science, with partnerships like the Orthopaedics Goldstein Pilot Award exploring chondrocyte responses to mechanical stress. The lab actively trains graduate students (e.g., Brian Wise) and postdoctoral researchers, emphasizing mechanobiology and translational research.
