Rou-Yu Chen Email & Phone Number

Greater San Diego Area

Santa Monica, California

Analytical Operations

Santa Monica, Ca

Department of Discovery Target validation, cell-based assay development, lead candidate identification, in vivo efficacy and investigation of the mechanism of action• Validated function, expression, and reagents for more than 25+ tumor specific targets• Developed and optimized in vitro biochemical and cellular assays for therapeutic antibodies • Screened, identified, and mechanistically characterized lead functional antibodies, antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), and bispecifics for immuno-oncology• Identified in vivo animal models and investigated potential biomarkers• Collaborated closely with Pharmacology, Chemistry, Protein Engineering cross-functional teamsPharmacologyKey responsibilities included examining the functions of potential tumor targets and determining the efficacy of therapeutic antibodies. • Developed cancer cell lines from primary patient tumors • Generated chemotherapy antibody-resistant cancer cell lines• Established human cancer xenografts derived from patient specimens• Executed and analyzed efficacy studies for several advanced programs. Directly involved in all aspects of the studies

Coordinated with several research laboratories to conduct successful experiments within timeline. Established and executed several new animal protocols for embryonic/ hematopoietic stem cell transplantation into Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), Total Body Irradiation (TBI) disease models. Projects include-Extended the lifespan of ALS model mice by stem cell transplantation therapy.Isolated and cultured primary mouse cardiomyocyte using perfusion system. Improved mouse cardiomyocyte survival rate by co-culture with stem cells in vitro.Transplanted embryonic stem cell into streptozotocin-induced diabetes mice by several different routes.Managed and trained new staffs to perform experiments. Ensured lab safety protocols are followed.

Contributed to design, and was independently responsible for the execution, and interpretation of results for the validation of Steroyl CoA Desturase 1 (SCD1), Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), and Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) as potential metabolic disease targets. Specifics include-Demonstrated that knockdown of SCD1 expression had no effect on palmitate incorporation into triglycerides using siRNA and TLC, in contrast to literature published within 2 months.Instigated studies of mitochondrial function using fluorescence and confocal microscopy in various cell types, i.e., CV1, HELA, L6glut4 and primary cells (hepatocytes, adipocytes).In order to determine the role of Mfn2 in the development of insulin resistance, I developed a knockdown protocol in L6glut4 cells using siRNA, which improved knockdown by 3 fold from the original protocol confirmed by RT-PCR and characterized antibodies for protein determination. Created over expressing cell lines.To support high throughput screening, optimized CPT1 activator enzymatic and cell based assay in 96-well plate format. Constructed inducible expression system and sequenced adenovirus expression constructs for wild type and mutant CPT1 expression for cell based assay development.Established SybrGreen qPCR methodology in the group, measured changes in PPAR-alpha and gamma*induced genes in response to compound treatment.Demonstrated expertise with laboratory automation for cell based beta-oxidation assay.

Master's thesis research), 2005-2006Discovered a new role for liver X receptor (LXR) agonists on suppression of prostate tumor growth and prevention of prostate cancer progression in vivo and in vitro within a strong cancer research teamDetermined the dosage response of several LXR agonists on androgen action at different stages of prostate cancer cells by 96-well cell proliferation assays.Detected the effect of compounds on androgen receptor transcription activity by luciferase reporter gene assay; the effect on mRNA and protein of various genes by RT-PCR and western blot.Executed, evaluated, and analyzed the inhibition of prostate tumor growth and progression by androgen and LXR agonists in xenograft nude mouse models for one-year study.Identified the important roles of AR and LXR signaling-related genes and proteins in prostate tumor progression by performing western blot and RT-PCR analysis from tumor tissue samples.

Collaborated with several stem cell research teams in different divisions within a large medical center transferred techniques to assist with building a new functional lab.

Ms, Biology

Bachelor Of Science, Nutrition