Dr. Chen is interested in elucidating the signaling interplay between metabolic and cell signaling networks for a better understanding of cancer metabolism and improved clinical outcome. Two major research focuses include (1) To determine both metabolic and signaling functions of intracellular metabolites and circulating “blood chemicals”, which influence tumorigenesis and tumor progression, and responses to anti-cancer therapies including chemotherapy and immunotherapy; and (2) To decipher mechanistic basis underlying the pathogenic links between diets and particular oncogenic mutations by exploring the pro- and anti-tumor effects of diet-derived substances on tumors with specific genetic backgrounds.
HHMI & Harvard Medical School
Postdoc Fellow - Cancer Biology
2004
Emory University
PhD - Biochemistry & Cell Biology
2001
University of Science and Technology of China
BS - Molecular Biology
1994
Trans-vaccenic acid reprograms CD8+ T cells and anti-tumour immunity.
Trans-vaccenic acid reprograms CD8+ T cells and anti-tumour immunity. Nature. 2023 Nov; 623(7989):1034-1043.
PMID: 37993715
Lyso-PAF, a biologically inactive phospholipid, contributes to RAF1 activation.
Lyso-PAF, a biologically inactive phospholipid, contributes to RAF1 activation. Mol Cell. 2022 06 02; 82(11):1992-2005.e9.
PMID: 35417664
Lysine acetylation restricts mutant IDH2 activity to optimize transformation in AML cells.
Lysine acetylation restricts mutant IDH2 activity to optimize transformation in AML cells. Mol Cell. 2021 09 16; 81(18):3833-3847.e11.
PMID: 34289383
?-6-Phosphogluconolactone, a Byproduct of the Oxidative Pentose Phosphate Pathway, Contributes to AMPK Activation through Inhibition of PP2A.
?-6-Phosphogluconolactone, a Byproduct of the Oxidative Pentose Phosphate Pathway, Contributes to AMPK Activation through Inhibition of PP2A. Mol Cell. 2019 12 19; 76(6):857-871.e9.
PMID: 31586547
Mutant and Wild-Type Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 Share Enhancing Mechanisms Involving Distinct Tyrosine Kinase Cascades in Cancer.
Mutant and Wild-Type Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 Share Enhancing Mechanisms Involving Distinct Tyrosine Kinase Cascades in Cancer. Cancer Discov. 2019 06; 9(6):756-777.
PMID: 30862724
The Dietary Supplement Chondroitin-4-Sulfate Exhibits Oncogene-Specific Pro-tumor Effects on BRAF V600E Melanoma Cells.
The Dietary Supplement Chondroitin-4-Sulfate Exhibits Oncogene-Specific Pro-tumor Effects on BRAF V600E Melanoma Cells. Mol Cell. 2018 03 15; 69(6):923-937.e8.
PMID: 29547721
Prevention of Dietary-Fat-Fueled Ketogenesis Attenuates BRAF V600E Tumor Growth.
Prevention of Dietary-Fat-Fueled Ketogenesis Attenuates BRAF V600E Tumor Growth. Cell Metab. 2017 02 07; 25(2):358-373.
PMID: 28089569
Tetrameric Acetyl-CoA Acetyltransferase 1 Is Important for Tumor Growth.
Tetrameric Acetyl-CoA Acetyltransferase 1 Is Important for Tumor Growth. Mol Cell. 2016 12 01; 64(5):859-874.
PMID: 27867011
Inhibition of human copper trafficking by a small molecule significantly attenuates cancer cell proliferation.
Inhibition of human copper trafficking by a small molecule significantly attenuates cancer cell proliferation. Nat Chem. 2015 Dec; 7(12):968-79.
PMID: 26587712
6-Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase links oxidative PPP, lipogenesis and tumour growth by inhibiting LKB1-AMPK signalling.
6-Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase links oxidative PPP, lipogenesis and tumour growth by inhibiting LKB1-AMPK signalling. Nat Cell Biol. 2015 Nov; 17(11):1484-96.
PMID: 26479318
R. Randall Rollins Chair in Oncology
Emory University
2018 - 2020
Winship Cancer Institute Research Mentorship Award
Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University
2017
Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Emory University
2016
Winship 5K Scholar Award
Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University
2014 - 2019
LLS Career Development Program Scholar Award
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)
2010 - 2015
ACS Basic Research Scholar Award
American Cancer Society (ACS)
2008 - 2012
GCC Distinguished Cancer Scholar
Georgia Cancer Coalition (GCC)
2006
LLS Career Development Program Fellow Award
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)
2004 - 2007