Welcome to the Chen Lab!

          Our laboratory is interested in understanding signal transduction mechanisms that underlie fundamental cellular and developmental processes in mammals. We employ a combination of experimental approaches including molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics, and mouse models. Over the years we have unraveled novel signaling mechanisms, mostly of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) network, in the regulation of a wide range of biology, including cell growth, autophagy, metabolism, and skeletal muscle differentiation/regeneration. Currently, the lab is focusing on autophagy, cytokine signaling, and intercell communication in the contexts of skeletal muscle regeneration and muscular dystrophy.