Jason Yuan, MD, PhD

Jason Yuan, M.D., Ph.D., is a distinguished Professor at the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology and serves as the Assistant Vice President for Research at UF Health, the University of Florida-Scripps Research in Florida.

He embarked on his academic journey by earning his medical degree from Suzhou Medical College (Suzhou, China) in 1983. Subsequently, he obtained his doctoral degree in physiology from Peking Union Medical College (Beijing, China) in 1993. Dr. Yuan further enriched his expertise through postdoctoral training in the University of Maryland at Baltimore. Dr. Yuan’s early research focused on unraveling the intricate cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. His groundbreaking work encompassed the electrophysiology of ion channels and transporters in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, as well as the regulation of excitation-contraction (EC) coupling across various cell types, including smooth muscle cells, neurons, and cardiomyocytes. His seminal contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of pulmonary vascular physiology and pathophysiology. Dr. Yuan’s current research is primarily focused on defining pathogenic mechanisms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and developing novel therapeutic approaches for PAH and other subtypes of pulmonary hypertension.

Notably, Dr. Yuan’s research in pulmonary vascular disease has propelled the field forward, shedding light on the pathogenic roles of ion channels and membrane receptors. His pioneering insights have paved the way for innovative therapeutic approaches to combat these diseases. Since 1993, Dr. Yuan has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a testament to the significance and impact of his research endeavors.

In recognition of his exemplary contributions to science, Dr. Yuan has been honored as a Fellow of prestigious organizations such as the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Heart Association, the American Thoracic Society, and The American Physiological Society. Additionally, he has been recognized as a Guggenheim Fellow and is an elected Member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the Association of American Physicians.

Dr. Yuan’s leadership extends beyond his research pursuits, as evidenced by his active involvement in advisory committees and editorial boards. He has chaired influential bodies such as the Respiratory Integrative Biology and Translational Research study section of the NIH and the Pulmonary Circulation Assembly of the American Thoracic Society. Currently, he serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Pulmonary Circulation and on the editorial board of the American Journal of Physiology Cell Physiology, Circulation Research, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Furthermore, Dr. Yuan’s scholarly contributions are evident in his role as a leading editor of several seminal books in the field of pulmonary circulation. His comprehensive reference book, “Textbook of Pulmonary Vascular Disease,” stands as a cornerstone resource for researchers and clinicians alike. Additionally, he has edited or co-edited numerous other influential works, further cementing his status as a leading authority in his field.

In collaboration with esteemed colleagues, Dr. Yuan has co-authored “Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology,” a widely acclaimed resource in medical education.

Through his relentless pursuit of scientific excellence and commitment to advancing our understanding of pulmonary vascular diseases, Dr. Jason Yuan has made indelible contributions to the field of biomedical research and continues to inspire future generations of scientists.

Dr. Jason Yuan’s illustrious academic career has been marked by groundbreaking research and significant contributions to the field of pulmonary vascular disease. Beginning as a Research Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine from 1993 to 1998, he established himself as a pioneer in translational research by initiating projects using lung tissues and cells from patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). His work focused on unraveling the pathogenic mechanisms underlying this disease.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Yuan was awarded the prestigious Parker B. Francis Fellowship from the Francis Families Foundation in 1994 and the Giles F. Filley Memorial Award for Excellence in Respiratory Physiology and Medicine from the American Physiological Society in 1995. Additionally, he was honored as the recipient of the Cournand and Comroe Young Investigator Award by the American Heart Association in 1995, further solidifying his reputation as a promising young investigator in the field.

Dr. Yuan’s dedication to advancing therapeutic approaches for pulmonary vascular disease led to his receipt of an Established Investigator Award from the American Heart Association in 1998. His pioneering work in identifying novel therapeutic strategies earned him recognition as one of the leading researchers in the field of pulmonary vascular disease and right heart failure.

In 1999, Dr. Yuan joined the University of California, San Diego, where he continued to expand his research interests to include chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, the functional role of ion channels in stem cell biology, and pharmacogenetics associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension. During his tenure at UC San Diego, he held key leadership positions, serving as Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Medicine from 2007 to 2010 and Associate Director for Research Training in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine from 2003 to 2010.

Dr. Yuan’s commitment to advancing translational medicine led him to the University of Illinois at Chicago in July 2010, where he assumed the role of Program Director in the newly established Institute for Personalized Respiratory Medicine. Additionally, he served as Vice Chair for Scholarly Activities in the Department of Medicine and Director of the Program in Pulmonary Vascular Disease and Right Heart Dysfunction at the Center for Cardiovascular Research.

In May 2010, Dr. Yuan was appointed Associate Vice President for Translational Health Sciences at the University of Arizona, where he also became the founding Chief of the Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine in the Department of Medicine. His leadership and expertise have significantly advanced the field of translational medicine, paving the way for innovative approaches to personalized healthcare.

Throughout his career, Dr. Yuan’s unwavering dedication to scientific inquiry and his pioneering research have earned him numerous accolades and recognition as a leading authority in pulmonary vascular disease and translational medicine. His groundbreaking work continues to impact the lives of patients and inspire future generations of researchers in the field.

• acute pulmonary hypertension resulting from pulmonary embolism