Chen Dai

Roles include 1. scientific review of novel therapeutic areas, new drug targets, and external collaboration/license-in opportunities (DD); 2. Propose research strategies for therapeutic areas/targets/collaborations; 3. Lead internal research programs. I have led the internal review on RNA therapeutics, focusing on mRNA therapeutics. Numerous other projects such as cyclic peptide platform, extracellular DNA, extracellular vesicles have been completed as well. Externally, I've participated in scientific DD of multiple companies across various fields as well. Internally, I am leading a bispecific oncology program.

I currently work on designing and optimizing in vitro and in vivo models to validate drug candidates against various targets in cancer, metabolic diseases and autoimmune diseases. In addition, I manage research projects by establishing the various goals and deliverables, conduct literature research and market research to keep my knowledge up-to-date, and facilitate cooperation among team members to discover new antibodies for unmet clinical needs.

During my time at the Littlepage Lab in Harper Cancer Research Institute, I have constructed metabolic profiles of various breast cancer mouse models. Using a novel discovery-based biostatistical method, I bridged the gaps between genomics and metabolomics, and constructed metabolic networks which led to the discovery of prognostic indicators of patient survival. I have validated that one of the targets, Aquaporin-7, plays important roles in breast cancer progression. I currently have one paper published in Cancer & Metabolism, with another manuscript submitted to Cell Metabolism.

Courses: Biochemistry (majors and non-majors) Intermediary Metabolism (majors) Organic Chemistry Organic Chemistry Lab (I+II) General Chemistry Lab (I+II) Biochemistry Lab