Contact Information
University of Illinois
268 RAL, Box 55-5
600 South Mathews Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
Biography
Professor Chan received his BSc in Chemistry from the University of British Columbia in 2006 and his PhD from Simon Fraser University in 2011 with Prof. Andrew Bennet. For his graduate work, he was recognized with the Boehringer Ingelheim Doctoral Research Award for the top Canadian thesis in the areas of organic and bioorganic chemistry. From 2011 to 2014 he was a Human Frontiers Science Program Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley with Prof. Christopher Chang. He began his independent career at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 2014 and is currently an Associate Professor of Chemistry.
Research Interests
Studying Aging in the Context of the Brain:
As a professor of Chemistry at the University of Illinois, my research endeavors encompass a broad spectrum of topics within the field of neuroscience. One of my primary areas of focus is the study of aging in the context of organs such as the brain. Aging is a complex and multifaceted process that affects various aspects of neural function and cognition. In our research, we investigate the molecular and chemical mechanisms underlying age-related changes in the brain. Our interdisciplinary approach involves the integration of chemistry and neuroscience to gain deeper insights into the aging brain. Through a combination of advanced analytical techniques and innovative experimental designs, our team aims to elucidate the key factors contributing to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging.
Our ongoing work in this area seeks to identify novel biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and intervention strategies that can enhance brain health and cognitive function in aging individuals. By bridging the gap between chemistry and neuroscience, we strive to contribute valuable knowledge to the field and improve our understanding of the aging brain's complexities.
Developing Activity-Based Sensing Probes for Photoacoustic Imaging of the Brain:
In addition to our research on aging, our laboratory is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technologies for neuroscience applications. We are actively engaged in the development of activity-based sensing probes specifically tailored for photoacoustic imaging of the brain. This pioneering approach allows us to visualize neural activity with unprecedented precision and depth, offering valuable insights into brain function and connectivity.
Our work in this field includes the design and synthesis of specialized photoacoustic probes that can selectively target and respond to neuronal biomarkers. These probes are engineered to emit photoacoustic signals when they encounter its target, enabling us to map neural processes in real time. This technology holds immense promise for advancing our understanding of brain function and holds great potential for applications in both basic neuroscience research and clinical applications.
Chemical Tools for Targeted Drug Delivery to the Brain:
Furthermore, our research extends to the design and synthesis of specialized chemical tools for targeted drug delivery to the brain. We recognize the challenges associated with delivering therapeutics to the central nervous system, and our work focuses on creating innovative solutions to enhance drug delivery efficiency and specificity.
Our efforts in this area involve the development of drug carriers and delivery systems that can effectively transport therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier and precisely target specific regions of the brain. By harnessing the power of chemistry, we aim to improve the delivery of neuroactive compounds, including potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and other neurological conditions
Research Description
Photoacoustic Imaging
Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is a powerful imaging modality that is based on the detection of sound waves generated by an optically excited chromophore. Due to the low scattering of sound in biological tissues, this state-of-the-art approach is ideal for non-invasive, deep-tissue bioimaging of live animals and human organs. Our group is currently developing bioorthoganol chemical probes for the early diagnosis of cancer. Moreover, we are applying these chemical tools to study tumor progression and metastasis in vivo.
Infectious Diseases
Tuberculosis (TB) is a widespread infectious disease caused by M. tuberculosis and is responsible for nearly two million deaths each year. Unfortunately, existing drugs are becoming obsolete owing to non-compliance which has led to the emergence of multiple and extensively drug-resistance strains. Drawing from our expertise in organic synthesis and mechanistic enzymology, we are currently developing new small-molecule inhibitors that target crucial TB-specific enzymatic activities to study and treat TB infections.
Neurological Disorders
Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) are characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities that result from neuronal cell death. It is believed that hypoxia, oxidative stress, metal ion signaling, and neurotransmission all play a role in the neuropathology of AD; however, their interplay is inadequately studied, especially in the context of in vivo biological systems. Our group is currently developing chemical and protein-based probes to discover the mechanisms underlying this medical condition.
Awards and Honors
2024 Nobel Laureate Signature Award for Graduate Education in Chemistry - Preceptor
2023 LAS COVID-19 Faculty Revitalization Fellowship
2022 School of Chemical Sciences Teaching Award
2022 Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award
2021 Helen Corley Petit Scholar
2021 Teachers Ranked as Excellent
2020 Teachers Ranked as Excellent
2019 Beckman Fellow Award
2018 Thieme Chemistry Journal Award
2018 Center for Advanced Study Fellowship
2018 NSF CAREER Award
2018 Research Corporation Scialog Fellow
2017 Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellowship
2013 Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Doctoral Research Award
2012 Dean of Graduate Studies Convocation Medal
2012 Human Frontier Science Program Postdoctoral Fellowship
2010 Faculty of Science Excellence in Teaching Award
2010 Bruker Prize in Chemical Spectroscopy
2009 Varian Canada Inc. Award
2008 Barbara Ferrier Chemistry Research Award
2006 Creo Achievement Award in Chemistry
Additional Campus Affiliations
Associate Professor, Chemistry
Department Affiliate, Biochemistry
Associate Professor, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
External Links
Recent Publications
Bandyopadhyay, S., Zhao, Z., East, A. K., Hernandez, R. T., Forzano, J. A., Shapiro, B. A., Yadav, A. K., Swartchick, C. B., & Chan, J. (2024). Activity-Based Nitric Oxide-Responsive Porphyrin for Site-Selective and Nascent Cancer Ablation. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 16(8), 9680-9689. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c15604
Dirak, M., Chan, J., & Kolemen, S. (2024). Optical imaging probes for selective detection of butyrylcholinesterase. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 12(5), 1149-1167. https://doi.org/10.1039/d3tb02468g
Bo, Y., Zhou, J., Cai, K., Wang, Y., Feng, Y., Li, W., Jiang, Y., Kuo, S. H., Roy, J., Anorma, C., Gardner, S. H., Luu, L. M., Lau, G. W., Bao, Y., Chan, J., Wang, H., & Cheng, J. (2023). Leveraging intracellular ALDH1A1 activity for selective cancer stem-like cell labeling and targeted treatment via in vivo click reaction. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 120(36), Article e2302342120. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2302342120
East, A. K., Lee, M. C., Jiang, C., Sikander, Q., & Chan, J. (2023). Biomimetic Approach to Promote Cellular Uptake and Enhance Photoacoustic Properties of Tumor-Seeking Dyes. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 145(13), 7313-7322. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.2c13489
Lee, M. C., Landers, K., & Chan, J. (2023). Activity-Based Photoacoustic Probes for Detection of Disease Biomarkers beyond Oncology. ACS Bio and Med Chem Au, 3(3), 223-232. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.3c00009