Welcome to Dr. Johnny He's Lab
Dr. Johnny He's Lab is dedicated to advancing the understanding of viral pathogenesis, HIV infection in the brain, and Tip110-driven cancer progression. We foster a collaborative environment focused on innovative research to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Join us in our pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries!
Biography
Dr. Johnny J. He is a distinguished professor at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS), holding appointments in the Departments of Foundational Sciences and Humanities, as well as Microbiology and Immunology within the Chicago Medical School and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. He also serves as the Director of the Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology, and Infection and as the Discipline Chair of Microbiology and Immunology at RFUMS.
Dr. He earned his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from New York University, followed by postdoctoral training at New York University, Rockefeller University, and Harvard Medical School. He began his independent research career at the Indiana University School of Medicine before joining the University of North Texas Health Science Center in 2011. In 2020, he became a part of RFUMS, bringing his extensive expertise to the institution.
Dr. He’s research focuses on the molecular biology of host-virus interactions and cancer biology, with key areas of interest including:
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HIV Infection and Pathogenesis in Astrocytes – Investigating the role of astrocytes as potential latent reservoirs for HIV in the central nervous system.
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Molecular Mechanisms of HIV Tat Protein Neurotoxicity – Exploring the neurotoxic effects of the HIV Tat protein and its contribution to neurodegenerative processes using innovative transgenic mouse models.
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Tip110 and Tumorigenesis – Examining the role of the Tip110 protein in cancer stem cell regulation, metastasis, and tumor progression, particularly in melanoma and glioma.
Dr. He has made significant contributions to understanding viral pathogenesis and tumorigenesis, with the ultimate goal of developing novel therapeutic strategies to combat these diseases.
