Overview
Dr. Yong Chen is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the Duke University School of Medicine. He is also affiliated with Duke Anesthesiology-Center for Translational Pain Medicine (CTPM) and Duke-Pathology.
The Chen lab mainly studies sensory neurobiology of pain and itch, with a focus on TRP ion channels and neural circuits. The main objective of our lab is to identify molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying chronic pain and chronic-disease associated itch, using a combination of animal behavioral, genetic, molecular and cellular, advanced imaging, viral, and optogenetic approaches. There are three major research areas in the lab: craniofacial pain, arthritis pain and joint function, and systemic-disease associated itch.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor in Neurology
·
2025 - Present
Neurology, Translational Brain Sciences,
Neurology
Associate Professor in Anesthesiology
·
2022 - Present
Anesthesiology,
Clinical Science Departments
Associate Professor in Pathology
·
2022 - Present
Pathology,
Clinical Science Departments
Recent Publications
Neuronal Mechanisms of Psoriatic Itch: Role of IL-17R/ERK/TRPV4 Signaling Pathway.
Journal Article J Invest Dermatol · November 2025 Itch represents a major disease burden of psoriasis. Despite recent clinical studies showing the effectiveness of IL-17- and IL-17R-blocking antibodies in alleviating psoriatic itch, significant questions remain unanswered. Specifically, the crucial cellul ... Full text Link to item CitePreclinical perspectives on disorders of the temporomandibular joint: Tracing the past, navigating the present, and shaping the future.
Journal Article J Pain · November 2025 Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are complex conditions characterized by orofacial pain and dysfunction, affecting a significant portion of the population. TMDs may involve joint and/or muscle pain, dysfunction (e.g., noise, limited or altered jaw moveme ... Full text Open Access Link to item CiteChondrocyte-specific knockout of Piezo1 and Piezo2 protects against post-traumatic osteoarthritis structural damage and pain in mice.
Journal Article Arthritis Res Ther · July 19, 2025 BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint disease characterized by cartilage degeneration, synovial inflammation, and bone remodeling, with limited therapeutic options targeting the underlying pathophysiology. Mechanosensitive ion channels Pi ... Full text Open Access Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Deconstructing the molecular and cellular mechanisms of psoriatic arthritis pain by an improved animal model
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2028Investigating the role of IL4/13-IL4R- signaling in pemphigus: insights from skin cells, skin nerves, and therapeutic intervention
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · 2025 - 2027Investigating BK channel regulatory subunit LRRC55 in pain
ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Lanzhou University (China) ·
2003
Ph.D.