Research Overview

The Chen Lab investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, vascular calcification and stiffness, diabetic vasculopathy, as well as vascular aging and dementia. We employ translational animal models, human tissues and comprehensive approaches encompassing genetics, integrative multi-Omics and artificial intelligence-driven machine learning to uncover novel causative signals that are amenable to drug discovery for vascular diseases and aging.

Figure: Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2023 Jan, 43(1), 15-29

Research Projects

1. Elucidate an essential role of oxidative stress-induced Runx2 in regulating vascular smooth muscle cell osteogenic differentiation and vascular calcification in atherosclerosis, diabetic vasculopathy and vascular aging.
2. Discover the novel mechanisms underlying vascular osteoclasts in atherosclerotic vascular calcification.
3. Discover the regulation of protein O-GlcNAcylation in vascular smooth muscle cell osteogenic differentiation and calcification in diabetes.
4. Elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switch in pan-vascular pathology and their contribution to cognitive impairments and dementia.

Links

• Meet the Review Editor: Yabing Chen (ATVB)
• Yabing Chen, Ph.D. Endowed Chair in Laboratory Medicine
• AHA/ATVB Vascular Biology Award
• A need for bananas? Dietary potassium regulates calcification of arteries (UAB News)
• Healthy Heart Diet: Potassium in Avocado Toast and Bananas May Prevent Disease (Newsweek)
• Youtube highlights
• USA Today

Contact

Richard Jones Hall
Room 1386
3222 SW Research Dr
Portland, OR 97239
P: 503.494.1547