Research/Areas of Interest:
1. Gene expression and regulation in bone development and formation using transgenics, gene knockouts, signal transduction pathway, and epigenetic including microRNA and long noncoding RNA;
2. Using adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to engineer and regenerate tissues;
3. Translational studies including treatment for bone disorders in diabetic and obese patients, bone metastasis of breast cancer, association of dental diseases with systemic disorders, e.g., Alzheimer's disease and osteoarthritis, and osseointegration of bone implants;
4. Application of nanomaterials in cell-based gene therapy.
Education
- Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD), Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, United States
- Master of Dental Science (MDS), University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, United States
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Toronto, Canada
Biography
Dr. Jake (Jinkun) Chen is an accomplished professional, holding the position of Professor of Periodontology and serving as the Director of the Division of Oral Biology at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. His academic reach extends further as he is also a Professor in the Department of Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology at Tufts School of Medicine and the School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences.
Dr. Chen's academic journey is marked by significant milestones. He earned his DMD degree from Tufts University, acquiring qualifications with a Master of Dental Science Degree and a Certificate in Oral Pathology from the University of Connecticut. His pursuit of knowledge led him to achieve a PhD degree from the University of Toronto in Canada. His early career included a Research Fellowship at Harvard University and a residency as a Dentist and Pathologist at John Dempsey Hospital, UConn Health Center.
In his dedication to dentistry, Dr. Chen became a licensed practicing dentist through the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) and attained the esteemed status of tenured professor in 1998. His contributions to the field were further recognized when he was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Dentists (FACD) in 2011.
Dr. Chen's illustrious career is underpinned by substantial research accomplishments. Over the past two decades, his research has received consistent support from National Institutes of Health (NIH) RO1 grants. Currently, he holds four NIH RO1 grants, representing a combined budget exceeding $13 million. His research focus spans regenerative medicine, epigenetic investigations, and translational studies encompassing both oral and systemic diseases.
In the realm of academia, Dr. Chen has authored and co-authored more than 90 scientific papers published in esteemed peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Chen has recently secured a US Patent (US 11,655,212 B2) for utilizing adiponectin receptor agonists in the treatment of inflammation and bone diseases associated with diabetes. Additionally, he currently has two other patent applications pending. Furthermore, he has mentored and supervised a cohort of over 60 students, post-doctoral associates, and research fellows within the Chen Laboratory. His expertise and insights have garnered invitations to lecture at various universities and conferences, where his presentations have consistently received acclaim and recognition.
Dr. Chen's academic journey is marked by significant milestones. He earned his DMD degree from Tufts University, acquiring qualifications with a Master of Dental Science Degree and a Certificate in Oral Pathology from the University of Connecticut. His pursuit of knowledge led him to achieve a PhD degree from the University of Toronto in Canada. His early career included a Research Fellowship at Harvard University and a residency as a Dentist and Pathologist at John Dempsey Hospital, UConn Health Center.
In his dedication to dentistry, Dr. Chen became a licensed practicing dentist through the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) and attained the esteemed status of tenured professor in 1998. His contributions to the field were further recognized when he was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Dentists (FACD) in 2011.
Dr. Chen's illustrious career is underpinned by substantial research accomplishments. Over the past two decades, his research has received consistent support from National Institutes of Health (NIH) RO1 grants. Currently, he holds four NIH RO1 grants, representing a combined budget exceeding $13 million. His research focus spans regenerative medicine, epigenetic investigations, and translational studies encompassing both oral and systemic diseases.
In the realm of academia, Dr. Chen has authored and co-authored more than 90 scientific papers published in esteemed peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Chen has recently secured a US Patent (US 11,655,212 B2) for utilizing adiponectin receptor agonists in the treatment of inflammation and bone diseases associated with diabetes. Additionally, he currently has two other patent applications pending. Furthermore, he has mentored and supervised a cohort of over 60 students, post-doctoral associates, and research fellows within the Chen Laboratory. His expertise and insights have garnered invitations to lecture at various universities and conferences, where his presentations have consistently received acclaim and recognition.