Yang Chen, Ph.D.
Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, Division of Pathology-Lab Medicine Div
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Assistant Professor, Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Assistant Professor, Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Research Interests
The Chen Laboratory is focusing on understanding the key mechanism that controls the two hallmark features of pancreatic cancer: the desmoplastic stroma and the immunosuppressive microenvironment. We integrate computational biology (utilizing single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and other multi-omics analyses) with experimental biology (utilizing sophisticated transgenic mouse models), in conjunction with the cross-analysis of cancer patient datasets. Such multi-disciplinary research system will allow the systemic identification and investigation of novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers in pancreatic cancer and other diseases.
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2014 | Tsinghua University, Beijing, CN, Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
| 2008 | Jilin University, Changchun, CN, BS in Biochemistry |
Postgraduate Training
| 2014-2022 | Research Fellowship, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Instructor, Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2021 - 2022
Postdoctoral Fellow, Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2014 - 2021
Honors & Awards
| 2025 | New Faculty Award of Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2025 | APA Foundation Young Investigator in Pancreatology Grant, The American Pancreatic Association |
| 2025 | Phi Beta Psi Charity Trust Grant, The Phi Beta Psi Sorority |
| 2024 | Divisional Research Fund Award, Division of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2024 | Institutional Research Grant (IRG), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2024 | Conquer Cancer Now Award, The Condern Foundation |
| 2023 | Career Enhancement Program (CEP) Award of MDACC SPORE in Gastrointestinal Cancer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2022 | UT System Rising STARs Award, The University of Texas System |
| 2021 | 1st Award Oral Competition, Annual Postdoctoral Science Symposium, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2021 | Anne Eastland Spears Fellowship in Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2021 | Ergon Foundation Award, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2020 | T32 Training Grant in Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
Grant & Contract Support
| Date: | 2025 - 2026 |
| Title: | APA Foundation Young Investigator in Pancreatology Grant |
| Funding Source: | American Pancreatic Association |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2025 - 2030 |
| Title: | Delineating the role of TREM2 in chronic pancreatitis |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | 1R01CA307597 |
| Date: | 2025 - 2027 |
| Title: | Phi Beta Psi Charity Trust Grant |
| Funding Source: | The Phi Beta Psi Sorority |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2025 - 2026 |
| Title: | New Faculty Award of Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) |
| Funding Source: | The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2024 - 2026 |
| Title: | Conquer Cancer Now Award from the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research |
| Funding Source: | The Concern Foundation |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2024 - 2025 |
| Title: | Divisional Research Fund Award |
| Funding Source: | Division of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2024 - 2025 |
| Title: | Institutional Research Grant (IRG) of MDACC |
| Funding Source: | The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2023 - 2024 |
| Title: | Single-cell genomics and transgenic mouse models to target collagen-responsive mechanism in pancreatic cancer |
| Funding Source: | Career Enhancement Program (CEP) Award of MDACC SPORE in Gastrointestinal Cancer |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2022 - 2025 |
| Title: | Single-cell genomics and transgenic mouse models to identify therapeutic and diagnostic targets within pancreatic tumor ecosystem |
| Funding Source: | UT Rising STARS Award |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2021 - 2022 |
| Title: | NO TITLE PROVIDED |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Postdoctoral Fellow |
| ID: | 5P01CA117969-17 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2021 |
| Title: | Functional role of an oncogenic collagen I homotrimer variant specifically produced by pancreatic cancer cells The goal os this study is to study is to study the unique oncogenic Col1 homotrimers (specifically produced by cancer cells but not normal cells) that significantly promote pancreatic cancer progression and impact immune infilitration |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Trainee |
| ID: | T32 CA186892 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2021 |
| Title: | Functional role of an oncogenic collagen I homotrimer variant specifically produced by pancreatic cancer cells |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Postdoctoral Fellow |
| ID: | 5T32CA186892-5 |
| Date: | 2016 - 2026 |
| Title: | Genetics and Biology of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Postdoctoral Fellow |
| ID: | P01CA117969-12 |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Yang D, Sun X, Wang H, Wistuba II, Wang H, Maitra A, Chen Y. TREM2 Depletion in Pancreatic Cancer Elicits Pathogenic Inflammation and Accelerates Tumor Progression via Enriching IL-1β(+) Macrophages. Gastroenterology 168(6):1153-1169, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 39956331.
- Yang D, Sun X, Moniruzzaman R, Wang H, Citu C, Zhao Z, Wistuba II, Wang H, Maitra A, Chen Y. Loss of p53 and SMAD4 induces adenosquamous subtype pancreatic cancer in the absence of an oncogenic KRAS mutation. Cell Rep Med 5(9), 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39232498.
- Yang D, Sun X, Moniruzzaman R, Wang H, Citu C, Zhao Z, Wistuba II, Wang H, Maitra A, Chen Y. Genetic Deletion of Galectin-3 Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Progression and Enhances the Efficacy of Immunotherapy. Gastroenterology 167(2):298-314, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38467382.
- LeBleu VS, Kanasaki K, Lovisa S, Alge JL, Kim J, Chen Y, Teng Y, Gerami-Naini B, Sugimoto H, Kato N, Revuelta I, Grau N, Sleeman JP, Taduri G, Kizu A, Rafii S, Hochedlinger K, Quaggin SE, Kalluri R. Genetic reprogramming with stem cells regenerates glomerular epithelial podocytes in Alport syndrome. Life Sci Alliance, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38561223.
- Mahadevan KK, Dyevoich AM, Chen Y, Li B, Sugimoto H, Sockwell AM, McAndrews KM, Sthanam LK, Wang H, Shalapour S, Watowich SS, Kalluri R. Type I conventional dendritic cells facilitate immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Science 384(6703), 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38935717.
- Sun X, Yang D, Chen Y. Single-Cell Analysis Differentiates the Effects of p53 Mutation and p53 Loss on Cell Compositions of Oncogenic Kras-Driven Pancreatic Cancer. Cells 12(22), 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37998349.
- Yang D, Moniruzzaman R, Wang H, Wang H, Chen Y. Cross-Dataset Single-Cell Analysis Identifies Temporal Alterations in Cell Populations of Primary Pancreatic Tumor and Liver Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 15(8), 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37190324.
- Chen Y, Yang S, Tavormina J, Tampe D, Zeisberg M, Wang H, Mahadevan KK, Wu CJ, Sugimoto H, Chang CC, Jenq RR, McAndrews KM, Kalluri R. Oncogenic collagen I homotrimers from cancer cells bind to α3β1 integrin and impact tumor microbiome and immunity to promote pancreatic cancer. Cancer Cell 40(8):818-834.e9, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35868307.
- Lyu, Y, Guan, Y, Deliu, L, Humphrey, E, Frontera, JK, Yang, YJ, Zamler, D, Kim, KH, Mohanty, V, Jin, K, Liu, V, Dou, J, Veillon, L, Kumar, SV, Lorenzi, PL, Chen, Y, McAndrews, KM, Grivennikov, SI, Song, X, Zhang, J, Xi, Y, Wang, J, Chen, K, Nagarajan, P, Ge, Y. KLF5 governs sphingolipid metabolism and barrier function of the skin. Genes and Development 36(13-14):822-842, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 36008138.
- McAndrews KM, Chen Y, Darpolor JK, Zheng X, Yang S, Carstens JL, Li B, Wang H, Miyake T, Correa de Sampaio P, Kirtley ML, Natale M, Wu CC, Sugimoto H, LeBleu VS, Kalluri R. Identification of Functional Heterogeneity of Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts with Distinct IL6-Mediated Therapy Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Discovery 12(6):1580-1597, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35348629.
- Chen Y, Yang S, Lovisa S, Ambrose CG, McAndrews KM, Sugimoto H, Kalluri R. Type-I collagen produced by distinct fibroblast lineages reveals specific function during embryogenesis and Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Nature Communications 12(1):7199, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34893625.
- Tang M, Chen Y, Li B, Sugimoto H, Yang S, Yang C, LeBleu VS, McAndrews KM, Kalluri R. Therapeutic targeting of STAT3 with small interference RNAs and antisense oligonucleotides embedded exosomes in liver fibrosis. FASEB J 35(5):e21557, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 33855751.
- Chen Y, Kim J, Yang S, Wang H, Wu CJ, Sugimoto H, LeBleu VS, Kalluri R. Type I collagen deletion in αSMA+ myofibroblasts augments immune suppression and accelerates progression of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Cell 39(4):548-565.e6, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 33667385.
- Chen Y, Keskin D, Sugimoto H, Kanasaki K, Phillips PE, Bizarro L, Sharpe A, LeBleu VS, Kalluri R. Podoplanin+ tumor lymphatics are rate limiting for breast cancer metastasis. PLoS Biol 16(12):e2005907, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 30592710.
- Chen Y, LeBleu VS, Carstens JL, Sugimoto H, Zheng X, Malasi S, Saur D, Kalluri R. Dual reporter genetic mouse models of pancreatic cancer identify an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-independent metastasis program. EMBO Molecular Medicine 10(10), 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 30120146.
- Liu G, Chen Y, Qi F, Jia L, Lu XA, He T, Fu Y, Li L, Luo Y. Specific chemotherapeutic agents induce metastatic behaviour through stromal- and tumour-derived cytokine and angiogenic factor signalling. Journal of Pathology 237(2):190-202, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 25988668.
- Wang H, Chen Y, Lu XA, Liu G, Fu Y, Luo Y. Endostatin Prevents Dietary-Induced Obesity by Inhibiting Adipogenesis and Angiogenesis. Diabetes 64(7):2442-56, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 25605807.
- Guo L, Chen Y, He T, Qi F, Liu G, Fu Y, Rao C, Wang J, Luo Y. Nuclear-translocated endostatin downregulates hypoxia inducible factor-1α activation through interfering with Zn(II) homeostasis. Molecular Medicine Repports 11(5):3473-80, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 25607980.
- Chen Y, Liu G, Guo L, Wang H, Fu Y, Luo Y. Enhancement of tumor uptake and therapeutic efficacy of EGFR-targeted antibody cetuximab and antibody-drug conjugates by cholesterol sequestration. International Journal of Cancer 136(1):182-94, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 24798787.
- Yang J, Song X, Chen Y, Lu XA, Fu Y, Luo Y. PLCγ1-PKCγ signaling-mediated Hsp90α plasma membrane translocation facilitates tumor metastasis. Traffic 15(8):861-78, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 24899266.
- Guo L, Geng X, Chen Y, Qi F, Liu L, Miao Y, Lin Z, Yu M, Li Z, Fu Y, Li B, Luo Y. Pre-clinical toxicokinetics and safety study of M2ES, a PEGylated recombinant human endostatin, in rhesus monkeys. Regulatory Toxicology Pharmacology 69(3):512-23, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 24878240.
- Chen Y, DU Y, Li P, Wu F, Fu Y, Li Z, Luo Y. Phase I trial of M2ES, a novel polyethylene glycosylated recombinant human endostatin, plus gemcitabine in advanced pancreatic cancer. Molecular and Clinical Oncology 2(4):586-590, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 24940500.
- Zhao H, Huang Y, Xue C, Chen Y, Hou X, Guo Y, Zhao L, Zh H, Huang Y, Luo Y, Zhang L. Prognostic significance of the combined score of endothelial expression of nucleolin and CD31 in surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer. PLoS One 8(1):e54674, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 23382938.
- Song N, Ding Y, Zhuo W, He T, Fu Z, Chen Y, Song X, Fu Y, Luo Y. The nuclear translocation of endostatin is mediated by its receptor nucleolin in endothelial cells. Angiogenesis 15(4):697-711, 2012. e-Pub 2012. PMID: 22711211.
- Ding Y, Song N, Liu C, He T, Zhuo W, He X, Chen Y, Song X, Fu Y, Luo Y. Heat shock cognate 70 regulates the translocation and angiogenic function of nucleolin. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 32(9):e126-34, 2012. e-Pub 2012. PMID: 22743058.
- Zhuo W, Chen Y, Song X, Luo Y. Endostatin specifically targets both tumor blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. Frontiers of Medicine 5(4):336-40, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 22198745.
- Chen Y, Wang S, Lu X, Zhang H, Fu Y, Luo Y. Cholesterol sequestration by nystatin enhances the uptake and activity of endostatin in endothelium via regulating distinct endocytic pathways. Blood 117(23):6392-403, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 21482707.
- Fu Y, Chen Y, Luo X, Liang Y, Shi H, Gao L, Zhan S, Zhou D, Luo Y. The heparin binding motif of endostatin mediates its interaction with receptor nucleolin. Biochemistry 48(49):11655-63, 2009. e-Pub 2009. PMID: 19877579.
- Chen Y, Yang S, Fu Y, Wang J, Zhao ZJ, Fu X. Cloning and expression of intracellular part of receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase RPTP alpha and preparation of its polyclonal antibodies. Chem. Res. Chinese Universities 24(3):344-347, 2008. e-Pub 2008.
- Yu Q, Chen Y, Kou C, Liu S, Yu Y. Relationship between HLA class II gene polymporphism and schizophrenia. Journal of Jilin University (Medicine Edition) 33(2):306-309, 2007. e-Pub 2007.
- Zhang H, Ju G, Wei J, Hu Y, Liu L, Xu Q, Chen Y, Sun Z, Liu S, Yu Y, Guo Y, Shen Y. A combined effect of the KPNA3 and KPNB3 genes on susceptibility to schizophrenia. Neuroscience Letters 402(1-2):173-5, 2006. e-Pub 2006. PMID: 16644122.
Invited Articles
- Chen Y, McAndrews KM, Kalluri R. Clinical and therapeutic relevance of cancer-associated fibroblasts. Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology 18(12):792-804, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34489603.
Editorials
- McAndrews KM, Chen Y, Kalluri R. Stromal Cells Exhibit Prevalent Genetic Aberrations in Colorectal Cancer. Cancer Cell 38(6):774-775, 2020. PMID: 33321084.
Patents
- Compositions for and methods of producing tumor organoids. Patent Number: PCT/US2019056577.
- Methods and compositions for enhancing the uptake of therapeutic agents by target cells. Patent Number: PCT/CN2012073202.
- Identification and targeting of pathogenic extracellular matrix for diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases. Patent Number: PCT/US2019056576.
- Endostatin mutants with mutations at ATP binding sites. Patent Number: PCT/CN2012081210.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified July 22, 2026