Cai, Chuanxi
Primary Appointment
Associate Professor, Surgery
Education
- B.S., Chemistry, Wuhan University
- Ph.D., Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Biophysics in the Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, Physiology & Biophysics, Rugters University-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Contact Information
Telephone: 434-924-1749
Email: txt5pt@virginia.edu
Research Disciplines
Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology, Cancer Biology, Cardiovascular Biology, Development, Stem Cells & Regeneration, Infectious Diseases/Biodefense, Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Research Interests
1. Molecular and cellular therapy for tissue injury and repair, mainly focusing on heart and lung injury and repair. 2. Cancer biology, mainly focusing on identifying the molecular target that can inhibit the tumorigenesis during aging.
Research Description
My research program centers on advancing molecular and cellular therapies for tissue injury and repair, with particular emphasis on cardiopulmonary pathophysiology. I investigate the mechanisms underlying tissue damage and regeneration in the heart and lungs following diverse insults, including acute ischemia-reperfusion injury, viral infections, smoke inhalation, toxic chemical exposures, and chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. My current work focuses on translating novel therapeutic interventions into clinical applications, specifically exploring the protective and reparative properties of recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53) and humanized histone citrullination-targeted monoclonal antibodies (hCitH3-mAb) for treating cardiovascular disease and acute lung injury. These projects aim to address critical unmet needs in managing life-threatening conditions where tissue damage occurs rapidly and conventional treatments remain limited. In parallel, my research extends into cancer biology, where I seek to identify molecular targets that can suppress age-related tumorigenesis. I am particularly interested in understanding how proteins such as MG53 and regulatory long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) influence cancer development and progression in aging populations. My ongoing investigations examine the potential of exercise mimetics, including rhMG53, as innovative therapeutic agents to inhibit tumor growth and prevent metastasis. This work bridges the fields of regenerative medicine and oncology, exploring how molecules that promote tissue repair might also serve as cancer suppressants, potentially offering dual benefits for improving health span and reducing cancer burden in aging individuals.