Research Interests
Current research projects in the lab include the following broad areas. Interested students and postdoctoral candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Chan for more information on rotation projects and research opportunities.
1. The role of necroptosis signal adaptors in inflammatory diseases
We are interested in how the kinases RIPK1 and RIPK3, both of which have critical functions in cell death, contribute to injury-induced inflammation and tissue repair. Currently, we are using mouse models of intestinal injury and inflammation to study the function of these signal adaptors in intestinal homeostasis.
2. The role of cell death in anti-viral immune responses
We have discovered that necroptosis is an important innate immune defense mechanism against certain viruses. We are interested in how host cell death during pathogen infections can alter the course of the host immune response. On the other hand, we are also interested in exploring the mechanisms employed by different viral pathogens in combating the host cell death machinery.
3. Signaling mechanism of RIP kinases in cell death and inflammation
We found that the RIP kinases can promote inflammation through cell death-dependent and independent mechanisms. What are the molecular events that regulate the diverse functions of the RIP kinases? We are using biochemical, cell biological, and genetic tools to dissect the molecular regulation of these important immune signaling molecules.
1. The role of necroptosis signal adaptors in inflammatory diseases
We are interested in how the kinases RIPK1 and RIPK3, both of which have critical functions in cell death, contribute to injury-induced inflammation and tissue repair. Currently, we are using mouse models of intestinal injury and inflammation to study the function of these signal adaptors in intestinal homeostasis.
2. The role of cell death in anti-viral immune responses
We have discovered that necroptosis is an important innate immune defense mechanism against certain viruses. We are interested in how host cell death during pathogen infections can alter the course of the host immune response. On the other hand, we are also interested in exploring the mechanisms employed by different viral pathogens in combating the host cell death machinery.
3. Signaling mechanism of RIP kinases in cell death and inflammation
We found that the RIP kinases can promote inflammation through cell death-dependent and independent mechanisms. What are the molecular events that regulate the diverse functions of the RIP kinases? We are using biochemical, cell biological, and genetic tools to dissect the molecular regulation of these important immune signaling molecules.