Dongshi Chen, PhD, MS

Dr. Chen’s current research focuses on the signal pathway of cell death and its role and functional mechanism in cigarette smoking induced lung injury and inflammation, as well as their correlation with lung diseases, such as COPD, lung cancer.

His current studies engaged into the interplay of apoptosis, necroptosis, and lung inflammatory response, including activation of macrophage, neutrophil and T cells. On the other hand, he is interested in studying how elastases (ELANE, MMP12, et al) released in the inflammatory microenvironment contribute to the progression of COPD and lung cancer.

The long term goal is to identify novel molecular targets and treatment strategies to improve COPD, lung cancer therapy. He is also interested in studying the role and molecular mechanisms of aging in the progression of COPD and tumorigenesis.

• Fuzhou University, China — BS — 07/2003 — Bioengineering
• Xiamen University, China — MS — 07/2006 — Biochemistry
• Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong — PhD — 08/2010 — Biochemistry
• University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburg — 06/2018 — Postdoc, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology

• UPMC ITTC Award
  Nov 1, 2020 – Oct 30, 2021 · Role: Co-Principal Investigator

• Zhang, Lin
• Lenz, Heinz-Josef
• Yu, Jian
• Kaplowitz, Neil
• Dara, Lily
• Chai, Yang