Chen Lab

Overview

Under the direction of Dr. Xiqun Chen, the Chen Lab investigates the molecular and systems-level mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and related disorders. Our research integrates genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and human epidemiological signals to uncover convergent and disease-specific pathways, including but not limited to links with cancer and other systemic conditions. Leveraging human datasets and biospecimens, animal and iPSC-based models, and multi-omics approaches, we define pathogenic mechanisms and translate these insights into biomarkers and disease-modifying therapeutic strategies.

Research Projects

Defining Immune Mechanisms of Cancer-linked Parkinson’s Disease Pathophysiology

We bring together a team of experts in the fields of Parkinson’s disease and cancer to borrow sophisticated approaches from cancer research to collaboratively test a hypothesis that immune dysregulation is the reason why alterations in LRRK2 and Parkin can cause both Parkinson’s disease and cancer, with a focus on Parkinson’s disease.

Multi-Omic Study of Aging-related Genes in Parkinson’s Disease

Aging is the strongest risk factor for Parkinson’s disease, yet the biological reasons behind this connection remain unclear. Our recent findings suggest that several key aging-related genes may directly regulate alpha-synuclein, the protein that clumps in the brains of people with Parkinson’s. These genes normally protect brain cells by maintaining energy balance, reducing inflammation, and repairing damage. When they become dysregulated, neurons may lose resilience and become more vulnerable to degeneration. Understanding how these genes are expressed in people with Parkinson’s may reveal new clues about the relationship between aging and Parkinson’s disease.

Genetic and Molecular Basis of the link between Melanoma and Parkinson's and Potential Prognostic and Therapeutic Implications

Driven by robust, bidirectional link between two very different disease entities - melanoma and Parkinson’s disease, the proposed interdisciplinary project investigates responsible downstream events and a specific cell population for the defective brain dopamine producing system when the key melanoma-associated pigmentation gene is not functioning, protective potential in the brain when this gene is activated, and association of the gene with risk and clinical progression of Parkinson’s disease. Results of the study will provide insight into the mechanisms, risks and therapeutics of Parkinson’s disease and may facilitate further collaborative investigations on common biological pathways in melanoma and Parkinson’s disease.

Research Team

Xiqun Chen, MD, PhD
Associate Professor

Dr. Chen received her medical and PhD degrees and residency training from Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University. She then completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University. Dr. Chen joined Massachusetts General Hospital in 2009.

Yuhang Zhao, PhD
Investigator

Jackson G. Schumacher, BS
Research Associate

Mr. Schumacher earned his BS in Neuroscience from Boston College in 2025. He joined the Chen lab in 2023, first as a research student and now as a full-time research associate. His research focuses on understanding the genetic, molecular, and biomarker signatures that shape Parkinson’s disease susceptibility and progression.

Publications

• Jaffery R, Zhao Y, Ahmed S, Schumacher JG, Ahn J, Shi L, Wang Y, Tan Y, Zhang J, Chen K, Tawbi H, Wang J, Schwarzschild MA, Peng W, Chen X. Soluble immune factor profiles in blood and CSF associated with LRRK2 mutations and Parkinson's disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis. 2025; 11: 365. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41309625/
• Schumacher JG, Zhang X, Macklin EA, Wang J, Bayati A, Dijkstra JM, Watanabe H, Schwarzschild MA, Cortese M, Zhang X, Chen X. Baseline α-synuclein seeding activity and disease progression in sporadic and genetic Parkinson's disease in the PPMI cohort. EBioMedicine. 2025; 119: 105866. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40773926/
• Cai W, Wakamatsu K, Zucca FA, Wang Q, Yang K, Mohamadzadehonarvar N, Srivastava P, Tanaka H, Holly G, Casella L, Ito S, Zecca L, Chen X. DOPA pheomelanin is increased in nigral neuromelanin of Parkinson's disease. Prog Neurobiol. 2023; 223: 102414. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36746222/
• Srivastava P, Nishiyama S, Zhou F, Lin SH, Srivastava A, Su C, Xu Y, Peng W, Levy M, Schwarzschild M, Chen X. Peripheral MC1R Activation Modulates Immune Responses and is Neuroprotective in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2023; 18: 704-717. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10769915/
• Cai W, Srivastava P, Feng D, Lin Y, Vanderburg CR, Xu Y, Mclean P, Frosch MP, Fisher DE, Schwarzschild MA, Chen X. Melanocortin 1 receptor activation protects against alpha-synuclein pathologies in models of Parkinson's disease. Mol Neurodegener. 2022 23; 17: 16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35197079/
• Ye Q, Wen Y, Al-Kuwari N, Chen X. Association Between Parkinson's Disease and Melanoma: Putting the Pieces Together. Front Aging Neurosci. 2020; 12: 60. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210791/

Open Positions

Graduate and undergraduate students are encouraged to reach out for research opportunities.