Ding-Wen Chen received his PhD at the University of Waterloo in 2018, and his dissertation was on the development of preclinical bioassays and nanoparticle systems for ocular gene therapy applications. With longstanding interests in broadening his knowledge in hematology and oncology, he joined the Kurre Laboratory in 2019 to tackle a multidisciplinary project at the interface of hematopoietic stem cell biology, leukemia biology, and extracellular vesicle biology.

Dr. Chen's research aims to improve understanding of the cellular signaling that takes place in AML niche. Specifically, this research aims to understand the mechanism by which AML elicits chronic compartmental inflammatory stress in the niche, and whether residual hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) play a contributing role in the inflammatory signaling. The involvement of AML-derived extracellular vesicles in this process are also examined. To tackle this research question, novel transgenic animal models and advanced analytical techniques such as single-cell sequencing, cytometry, and microscopy are employed.

Beyond improving our understanding of HSPC's role in AML, the outcome of this research consists of a broader translational significance as it provides an opportunity for identification of novel target(s) and adjuvant therapy strategies aimed to maintain long-term remission in AML patients.