About

William Yun Chen is an assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He completed his PhD in 2016 at Penn State under the supervision of Winnie Li. Prior to his current position, he was a member at the Institute for Advanced Study and an NSF Postdoctoral Fellow at Columbia and McGill. His research broadly concerns arithmetic geometry, with a particular focus on the interplay between group theory, algebraic geometry, and number theory, especially as mediated by monodromy actions of etale fundamental groups. Chen has a special interest in the connected components of Hurwitz spaces of Galois covers of curves, investigating cases where the genus and number of branch points are fixed while the Galois group varies over infinite families. One notable case he studies is the elliptic curve case (genus 1, one branch point), which relates to exceptional behaviors in associated groups such as braid groups and modular groups, and connects to topics like noncongruence modular curves, the Wiegold conjecture in combinatorial group theory, and Markoff numbers.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Biology
• Cell biology
• Cardiology
• Internal medicine

Selected publications

• NCOA4 promotes myocardial injury by upregulating ferroptosis in long-term smoking mice

  Journal of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System · 2025-07-01

  article

  Background Chronic smoking worsens acute myocardial infarction (AMI) severity. This study explores ferroptosis, specifically the NCOA4/FTH1 ferritinophagy pathway, in smoking-aggravated myocardial injury, seeking therapeutic targets for severe AMI in smokers. Methods Retrospective analysis of 525 AMI patients. Established in vivo (smoke-exposed AMI mice) and in vitro (cardiomyocytes with cigarette smoke extract + oxygen-glucose deprivation (CSE + OGD)) models. Assessed cardiac function, injury, ferroptosis markers (MDA, Fe 2+ , lipid ROS), and NCOA4/FTH1. NCOA4 was knocked down. Non-coding RNA profiling identified upstream regulators and a ceRNA network. Results Smoking independently predicted severe coronary lesions and post-AMI complications in patients. Chronic smoking impaired cardiac function and increased infarct size in AMI mice. CSE + OGD synergistically increased cardiomyocyte death. Ferroptosis markers and NCOA4 were elevated, while FTH1 was suppressed in smoke-exposed AMI mice and CSE + OGD cells. NCOA4 knockdown reduced cell death, ferroptosis markers, and restored FTH1. Sequencing identified 129 DE miRNAs and 317 DE lncRNAs in smoke-exposed AMI mice. qRT-PCR confirmed downregulation of miR-133a-5p, miR-186-3p, miR-21a-5p, miR-19a-3p, and upregulation of lncRNA A230028005Rik, implicating them in regulating NCOA4 via ceRNA. Conclusion Chronic smoking exacerbates AMI severity via NCOA4/FTH1-mediated ferroptosis. Identified ncRNAs (miR-133a-5p, miR-186-3p, miR-21a-5p, miR-19a-3p, lncRNA A230028005Rik) are promising therapeutic targets for ferroptosis-related injury in smokers.

  PublisherDOI

• Machine Learning Modeling of Foam Concrete Performance: Predicting Mechanical Strength and Thermal Conductivity from Material Compositions

  Applied Sciences · 2025-06-25 · 4 citations

  articleOpen access

  This study investigates the quantitative relationship between material composition and the performance of foam concrete based on 170 validated experimental datasets extracted from the existing literature. The statistical approach combined with machine learning modeling was employed to systematically analyze and predict key performance indicators. Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify the parameters affecting mechanical and thermal properties. The analysis revealed that the water-to-cement ratio (W/C) and cement content were the most influential factors for mechanical properties, while density and the coarse-to-fine aggregate ratio (Cag/Fag) had the greatest impact on thermal conductivity. To overcome the limitations of traditional empirical models in capturing complex nonlinear relationships, a predictive framework with eight machine learning algorithms was established. Among these, Neural Network Regression exhibited the highest accuracy for mechanical property prediction, with a coefficient of determination of R2 = 0.987 for compressive strength and R2 = 0.932 for flexural strength. For thermal conductivity, support vector regression achieved the best predictive performance with R2 = 0.933. Error analysis demonstrated significant differences in prediction accuracy across performance indicators: compressive strength was the easiest to predict, followed by flexural strength, while thermal conductivity was the most challenging. Based on practical engineering requirements, a hierarchical model selection strategy was proposed. Specifically, Neural Network Regression is prioritized for mechanical properties, and support vector regression is prioritized for thermal properties. Decision Tree Regression is recommended as a general-purpose model. The predictive model used in this study provides reliable technical support for the optimization and engineering application of foam concrete, enhancing both prediction accuracy and practical efficiency.

  PublisherDOI

• Science knows no borders: Memories of Professor Rong-Sheng Zeng, a pioneering figure of modern geophysics in China

  Earthquake Science · 2025-09-02

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• High-precision vernier-type optoelectronic integrated chip design

  Microelectronics Journal · 2024-09-12

  article
  PublisherDOI

• First report of a successful surgical management of left atrial myxoma coexisting with pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma and thymic cyst

  European journal of medical research · 2024-07-18 · 3 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  BACKGROUND: Primary cardiac tumors, while rare, present significant clinical challenges due to their diverse pathology and presentation. Lung cancer frequently metastasizes to the heart; however, cases involving primary cardiac tumors of different origins alongside primary lung cancer are exceedingly rare in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 53-year-old female who presented with hemoptysis and was subsequently diagnosed with a left atrial myxoma, pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma, and a thymic cyst. This coexistence of multiple non-homologous tumors in a single patient is exceedingly rare. CONCLUSION: This case underscores the complexity of diagnosing and managing patients with multiple distinct tumors. The simultaneous occurrence of a primary cardiac myxoma, pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma, and thymic cyst is unprecedented, providing valuable insights for future clinical practice.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Abstract 4137267: A novel reproducible low-cost model of acute myocardial infarction in swine

  Circulation · 2024-11-12

  article

  Background: Traditional open- and closed-chest methods for inducing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in pigs typically require extensive and expensive instrumentation, including ventilators and inhalation anesthesia. This study aims to evaluate a reproducible and low-cost model for AMI in pigs using lower hemisternotomy. Methods: Twenty Yorkshire swine (15-20 kg, 45-50 days of age) underwent permanent ligation of the roots of the first and second diagonal branches of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The procedure was performed under intramuscular anesthesia (1ml 0.5mg/kg Zoletil™ and 2ml 10mg/kg xylazine hydrochloride) with spontaneous respiration. Cardiac function was assessed via echocardiography and cardiac PET/MRI scans at 1 and 4 weeks post-MI. Heart tissue was collected for pathological analysis to evaluate the establishment of the AMI model. Results: All animals exhibited ECG changes, including premature ventricular complexes and ST-segment elevation immediately after ligation. No ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation was observed during the operation. No animals (0%) died during infarct creation. The "Skin-to-Skin" procedure time was 18±3.3 minutes. this procedure produced an infarction that occupies ~10% of the left ventricular mass accompanied with the decrease of LV heart function and LV anterior wall thickness 4 weeks post-MI. Conclusions: This novel low-cost technique provides reproducible acute coronary artery occlusion at a selected location with subsequent AMI. It avoids ventilation, inhalation anesthesia, major surgery and does not require expensive instrumentation for intracoronary intervention.

  PublisherDOI

• Abstract 4138380: Cardiac protection of hiPSC-CMs loaded chitosan cardiac patch in myocardial infarcted swine

  Circulation · 2024-11-12

  article

  Background: The low grafting rate of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) following direct injection into the myocardium limits the efficacy of cardiac repair after myocardial infarction (MI). Chitosan-based scaffolds have emerged as functional biomaterials for designing delivery systems in cardiac therapies. This study aimed to enhance the potency of cardiac repair using a hiPSC-CMs loaded chitosan cardiac muscle patch (hCCMP). Methods: The patches were fabricated using chitosan. Characterization of the chitosan patches involved assessing their swelling rate and porosity. The biocompatibility of the hCCMP was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the CCK8 assay. 16 Yorkshire swine (15-20 kg, 45-50 days of age) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=4 per group): Sham, MI without further intervention, MI with an empty patch (without hiPSC-CMs), and MI with hCCMP implantation. One and four weeks post-MI, heart function, Infarction size, myocardial perfusion and metabolism were evaluated via cardiac PET-MRI. Engraftment was assessed through human cardiac troponin T staining. Histological analysis including left ventricular anterior wall thickness, cardiac remodeling, angiogenesis, arterialization, and apoptosis in the infarct border area were analyzed using immunofluorescence. Results: SEM showed that the chitosan patch had regular pore size and good 3D structure; porosity was about (96.7±0.37)%. On day3, the patch swelling rate was about (715±64.55)%. SEM, CCK8 assay showed a normal cells growth in the chitosan patch. The hiPSC-CMs grafted well with chitosan patch delivery systems and was associated with significantly improvement in LV function, infarction size, angiogenesis and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in pigs 4 weeks after MI. Conclusions: The 3D chitosan cardiac patch with hiPSC-CMs loaded can enhance the potency of cardiac repair in pigs after MI and present a novel and promising therapic strategy.

  PublisherDOI

• Abstract 4137339: Application of PLGA-PEG-PLGA Thermosensitive Hydrogel Loaded with Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes and Ginsenoside Rb3 in the Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction

  Circulation · 2024-11-12 · 1 citations

  article

  Background: Ginsenoside Rb3 (GSRb3) is a traditional Chinese medicine monomer. We aim to investigate the effects of GSRb3 on the proliferation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and the reparative effects of PLGA-PEG-PLGA thermosensitive hydrogel loaded with hiPSC-CMs and GSRb3 (NP GSRb3 @Gel+iCM) on myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: 1. Western Blot, RT-qPCR, cell immunofluorescence staining, and CCK-8 assays were employed to assess the proliferative effects of different concentrations of GSRb3 on neonatal mouse primary cardiomyocytes (NCMs) and hiPSC-CMs. 2. Transcriptomic gene sequencing technology was utilized to investigate the mRNA expression changes of hiPSC-CMs induced by GSRb3; The NP GSRb3 @Gel+iCM was injected into the left ventricular myocardium of the MI mice; the same volume injections of hiPSC-CMs (iCM group) and PLGA-PEG-PLGA thermosensitive hydrogel loaded with GSRb3 (NP GSRb3 @Gel group) served as control; Additionally, MI model group without additional treatment and sham group were established. 3. At 4 weeks post-MI, echocardiography, Sirius Red/Fast Green staining and immunofluorescence staining were utilized to evaluate the heart function, infarction size and survival rate of transplanted hiPSC-CMs. Results: GSRb3 inhibit the apoptosis of NCMs while promote proliferation of NCMs and hiPSC-CMs significantly. After 4 weeks of treatment, the engraftment rate of hiPSC-CMs in NP GSRb3 @Gel+iCM group (36.7%) was 4.8 times that of iCM group (7.7%); Compared to the MI group, NP GSRb3 @Gel group and iCM group, NP GSRb3 @Gel+iCM group showed significant improvement in cardiac function; The myocardial repair effect in NP GSRb3 @Gel+iCM group was significantly superior to NP GSRb3 @Gel group and iCM group, with a 47% reduction in infarct size compared to MI group, and further reduction in left ventricular anterior wall thickness compared to NP GSRb3 @Gel group and iCM group. Conclusion: GSRb3 promotes the proliferation of hiPSC-CMs both in vitro and in vivo. NP GSRb3 @Gel+iCM significantly increase the engraftment of hiPSC-CMs, promote angiogenesis, reduce infarction size, inhibit left ventricular remodeling and improve cardiac function.

  PublisherDOI

• A common-mode suppression structure for absolute optical encoders

  Optics Communications · 2023-07-11 · 8 citations

  article1st author
  PublisherDOI

• A Common-Mode Suppression Structure for Absolute Optical Encoders

  SSRN Electronic Journal · 2023-01-01

  preprintOpen access1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• Collaborative Research: A Study of Deep Subduction Integrating Broadband Seismology and Mineral Physics

  NSF · $165k · 2006–2012

• Collaborative Research: Imaging the Continental Lithosphere with Earthquake Sources

  NSF · $139k · 2007–2011

• Collaborative Research: Lithospheric-Scale Dynamics of Active Mountain Building Along the Himalayan-Tibetan Collision Zone

  NSF · $718k · 2001–2009

Frequent coauthors

• Chengming Fan

  Central South University

  40 shared

• Jinfu Yang

  Central South University

  37 shared

• Chukwuemeka Daniel Iroegbu

  Central South University

  32 shared

• Ming Wu

  22 shared

• Xun Wu

  Air Force Medical University

  20 shared

• Shiyuan Tang

  20 shared

• T. Tseng

  National Taiwan University

  17 shared

• Robert L. Nowack

  12 shared

Labs

• William Yun Chen LabPI