Dr. Lih-Shen Chin
Dr. Lih-Shen Chin is an Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Chin works in the field of molecular and cellular neurosciences, with a particular focus on the molecular pathogenic mechanisms of neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and dystonia. His research has contributed significantly to the characterization of the molecular machinery and regulatory mechanisms governing the clearance of misfolded proteins by the ubiquitin–proteasome system and the aggresome–autophagy pathway. Dr. Chin and his team have identified novel molecular pathways by which mutations in familial Parkinson’s disease proteins (e.g., a-synuclein, DJ-1, Parkin, and PINK1) lead to neurodegeneration and uncovered new players in the PD pathogenic pathways. Furthermore, his research team has provided insights into the roles of oxidative stress and gene-environment interactions in the pathogenesis of sporadic PD. In addition, work by Dr. Chin’s group has revealed new proteins and mechanisms involved in dystonia pathogenesis. The goal of Dr. Chin’s research is to use the mechanistic insights gained from his studies for developing new therapeutic strategies for treating PD, DLB, dystonia, and other neurological disorders.
Dr. Chin received his Ph.D. degree from the University of California at Davis in 1992 and completed his postdoctoral training in molecular and cellular neurosciences with Nobel Laureate Dr. Paul Greengard at the Rockefeller University. He joined the faculty of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology in 1996, and moved to Emory University in 2001. His research has been supported by National Institutes of Health.