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 Pathology
·
2022 - Present
Pathology,
Clinical Science Departments
Associate Professor in Anesthesiology
·
2022 - Present
Anesthesiology,
Clinical Science Departments
Recent Publications
Sensory Neuron-TRPV4 Modulates Temporomandibular Disorder Pain Via CGRP in Mice.
Journal Article J Pain · May 2023 Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain that involves inflammation and injury in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and/or masticatory muscle is the most common form of orofacial pain. We recently found that transient receptor potential vanilloid-4 (TRPV4) in ... Full text Open Access Link to item CiteTMEM100, a regulator of TRPV1-TRPA1 interaction, contributes to temporomandibular disorder pain.
Journal Article Front Mol Neurosci · 2023 There is an unmet need to identify new therapeutic targets for temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain because current treatments are limited and unsatisfactory. TMEM100, a two-transmembrane protein, was recently identified as a regulator to weaken the TRPA1 ... Full text Open Access Link to item CiteSilencing of TRPV4-expressing sensory neurons attenuates temporomandibular disorders pain.
Journal Article Mol Pain · 2023 Identification of potential therapeutic targets is needed for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) pain, the most common form of orofacial pain, because current treatments lack efficacy. Considering TMD pain is critically mediated by the trigeminal ganglion ( ... Full text Open Access Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Identification and validation of LPA/LPAR signaling in temporomandibular disorder pain
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2027Investigating BK channel regulatory subunit LRRC55 in pain
ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2026Resolvin receptor signaling in trigeminal sensory neurons
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research · 2023 - 2026View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Lanzhou University (China) ·
2003
Ph.D.