Xiaoxin Chen
Dr. Chen is a cancer researcher and has been funded continuously by NIH since 2002 to study molecular mechanisms, prevention, and targeted therapy of oro-esophageal cancer. He joined the JLC-BBRI at NCCU in 2005 as an associate professor, was promoted to full professor in 2013, and was then named Glaxo Professor in Biomedical Sciences in 2020.
Dr. Chen is a member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing, and the Center for Gastrointestinal Biology & Disease, UNC-Chapel Hill, and is an adjunct professor for the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, UNC-Chapel Hill. He served as the president of OESO (World Organization for Specialized Studies on Diseases of the Esophagus) from 2017 to 2019 and is an editorial board member of multiple scientific journals.
The Chen lab currently focuses on the following:
- Preclinical targeted therapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The lab is particularly interested in developing targeted therapy of ESCC on the Nrf2 signaling pathway and Sox2- ∆ Np63 interaction in vitro and in vivo with specific molecular alterations. These studies can be potentially translated into clinical studies.
- Molecular mechanism and prevention of alcohol and tobacco-associated oro-esophageal cancer: The goal of this research direction is to understand how alcohol and tobacco carcinogens may cause oro-esophageal cancer and how to prevent this type of cancer. Both pharmacological (pharmaceutical and dietary agents) and genetic approaches are employed to elucidate the mechanism of oro-esophageal carcinogenesis and design preventive strategies for clinical studies.
- Molecular mechanism, prevention and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC): The goal of this research direction is to study the roles of gastroesophageal reflux, genetic and epigenetic pathways in the development of GERD, BE and EAC, in cell culture, animal models, and humans. In addition, the lab is also interested in the molecular aspect of esophageal development.
Courses
Projects
Grants
NIH/NCI R01 CA244236 - Chen (PI) 6/1/2020–5/31/2025
“Mechanisms and Targeted Therapy of NRF2high Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma”
The goal is to understand the role of hyperactive NRF2 in ESCC and develop NRF2 inhibitors for NRF2high ESCC.
Role: contact PI (multiple PIs with Ben Major)
NIH R21 AA028047 - Chen (PI) 9/1/19–8/31/21
“NOTCH-PAX9 signaling in alcohol-induced esophageal injury”
The goal of this project is to under the role of NOTCH-PAX9 signaling in alcohol-induced esophageal injury and alcohol-associated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Role: PI
NIH U54 CA156735 - Richardson (PI) 9/29/10–8/31/20 (bridge fund to 8/31/21)
“NCCU-LCCC Partnership in Cancer Research”
The goal of this project is to establish a cancer research partnership between a minority-serving institution (NCCU) and a cancer center at UNC-Chapel Hill (LCCC).
Role: Co-PI
NIH U54 CA156735 - Richardson (PI) 9/29/10–8/31/20 (bridge fund to 8/31/21)
“NCCU-LCCC Partnership in Cancer Research”
Full Project 1: “Racial disparity of Barrett’s esophagus”
Shared facility: “Diagnostic & Molecular Histopathology Facility”
Pilot Project 2: “NRF2 activation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma” (converted to Full Project 5 “Mechanisms and targeted therapy of NRF2high esophageal squamous cell carcinoma”)
The goals of these projects are (1) to elucidate contributions of genetic factors (Cdx1 and Cdx2) and environmental factors to the racial disparity of Barrett’s esophagus using human samples and (2) to develop targeted therapy of NRF2high esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Role: Project PI
NIH U54 MD012392 - Kumar (PI) 7/1/17-6/31/22
“RCMI Center for Health Disparities Research” (Role: Co-I)
“Research Infrastructure Core (Role: Co-leader)
The goal of the proposed core will develop infrastructure that will function in a synergistic way to maximize the quality and productivity of the research projects proposed in this current proposal, future pilot projects and other relevant research projects at NCCU.
NIH R01 DK113144 - Que (PI) 7/1/17-6/31/22
“Barrett's esophagus and progenitor cells at the squamous-columnar junction”
The goal of the project is to understand the molecular mechanism leading to Barrett’s esophagus and to identify stem cells in this process.
Role: Co-I (with a subcontract)