Xiaoxin Luke Chen

1. Molecular mechanism and prevention 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, with cell culture, animal models, and humans. In GERD, we are particularly interested in how to strengthen the resistance of esophageal epithelium. In BE, we develop animal models in mice, rats, pigs and zebrafish to understand the molecular mechanism. We are also interested in why Caucasians are more susceptible to BE and EAC than other ethnic groups, and how to identify BE patients with a high risk of cancer.
2. Molecular mechanism of esophageal development and squamous cell carcinoma: The goal is to understand what molecular pathways and genes participate in esophageal development and how some of these developmental pathways contribute to squamous cell carcinoma.
3. Molecular mechanism and prevention of alcohol and tobacco-associated oral cancer: The goal of this research direction is to understand how alcohol and tobacco carcinogens may cause oral cancer, and how to prevent this type of cancer. Hamster and mouse models are used for both mechanistic and preventive studies. Both pharmacological (pharmaceutical and dietary agents) and genetic approaches are employed to elucidate the mechanism of oral carcinogenesis and design preventive strategies for clinical studies.

2010  ad hoc Member, NIH/NCI Chemo/Dietary Prevention (CDP) Study Section

2008  Member, Scientific Direction Committee and Basic Science Committee, OESO (World Organization for Specialized Studies on Diseases of the Esophagus)

2007   AACR Minority-serving Institution Faculty Scholar in Cancer Research Award

1999   AACR Young Investigator Award, from American Association for Cancer Research