معرفی
Xian-Ming Chen, MD is a Professor in the Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity at Rush Medical College, Rush University Medical Center. His research laboratory focuses on mucosal immunity and microbial pathogenesis, particularly investigating how epithelial cells defend against pathogens at gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urogenital interfaces.
Dr. Chen's research program centers on understanding the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), in regulating mucosal immune responses. His work explores how pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and NF-ĸB signaling pathways orchestrate antimicrobial defense in epithelial cells, with particular emphasis on host-pathogen interactions involving Cryptosporidium. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including RNA-DNA and RNA-protein interaction assessments, 3D enteroid models, and exosome analysis to investigate how mucosal inflammation links to infectious diseases and tumorigenesis.
- Investigating PRR-responsive lncRNAs in inflammatory and defense responses
- Studying molecular mechanisms of Cryptosporidium infection in immunocompromised patients
- Examining epigenetic modifications linking chronic inflammation to cancer development
Dr. Chen currently leads four active NIH-funded projects including R01-AI116323-07 on intestinal cryptosporidiosis and R01-AI136877-04 on LincRNAs in mucosal defense against AIDS opportunistic pathogens. His laboratory team includes Research Scientist Ai-Yu Gong, MD, MS and PhD Candidates Chansorena Pok and Shuhong Wang. Previous research has been supported by multiple NIH grants including U01-AI095532 on epithelial exosomes and TLR-mediated mucosal defense, and R01-AI071321 on microRNAs in epithelial innate immunity.
