Pao-Tien Chuang, MD, PhD

Professor
Cardiovascular Research Institute
+1 415 514-0667

Our long-term goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms of cell-cell interactions during mammalian development and in postnatal physiology and pathology. Our laboratory aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and evolution of mammalian Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. In addition, using the mouse lung as a model system, we want to uncover the developmental origin and function of major lung cell types in normal homeostasis, lung injury/repair and lung cancer development.

  1. The mammalian Hedgehog signaling pathway
    We currently study the molecular mechanisms by which the Hh signal is transduced in mammals. We focus on how the activities of the Gli transcription factors are modulated in the primary cilium, cytoplasm and nucleus. These studies will provide important mechanistic insight into Hh signal transduction.
  2. Lung cell type specification, injury/repair and tumorigenesis
    We use mouse as a model system to answer fundamental questions in lung cell type specification, the molecular process of lung injury/repair and the pathogenesis of lung cancer development. We combine mouse genetics, cell biology and genomic analysis to address these central questions. 
Research Summary: 
Molecular mechanisms of mammalian Hedgehog signaling and lung development, regeneration and cancer

Websites

Featured Publications: 

Fused has evolved divergent roles in vertebrate Hedgehog signalling and motile ciliogenesis.

Nature

Wilson CW, Nguyen CT, Chen MH, Yang JH, Gacayan R, Huang J, Chen JN, Chuang PT

Cilium-independent regulation of Gli protein function by Sufu in Hedgehog signaling is evolutionarily conserved.

Genes & development

Chen MH, Wilson CW, Li YJ, Law KK, Lu CS, Gacayan R, Zhang X, Hui CC, Chuang PT

Functional characterization of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells in lung development, injury, and tumorigenesis.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Song H, Yao E, Lin C, Gacayan R, Chen MH, Chuang PT

Regulation of Sufu activity by p66ß and Mycbp provides new insight into vertebrate Hedgehog signaling.

Genes & development

Lin C, Yao E, Wang K, Nozawa Y, Shimizu H, Johnson JR, Chen JN, Krogan NJ, Chuang PT