Po-Shun Lee, M.D.

Instructor in Medicine
Attending Physician

Brigham & Women’s Hospital
Harvard Medical School
One Blackfan Circle
Karp Family Research Building, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02115

Tel 617 355 9012
Fax 617 355 9016
plee4@partners.org

> Selected Papers


Research Overview
My current research focuses on two projects:

1) mTOR-independent matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) expressions in lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM): LAM is an interstitial lung disease that affects almost exclusively women. Genetic defects in TSC1/TSC2 leading to uncontrolled mTOR activation can be identified in pulmonary LAM lesions, suggesting inactivation of TSC1/TSC2 is the basis of the disease. We are focusing on how MMP expressions are upregulated in TSC1/TSC2-null cells independent of mTOR activation, and exploring MMP inhibition as a therapeutic option in LAM.
2) Plasma gelsolin protein (pGSN) and its role in sepsis, inflammation and tissue injury: pGSN is an extracellular actin-binding protein that normally circulates at 150-300 mg/L. Studies have shown pGSN levels fall after various injuries, and the degree of pGSN depletion inversely correlate with clinical outcomes. Our lab has shown that pGSN replacement in animal models of sepsis dramatically enhances survival. We are studying the mechanism of pGSN’s protective role in sepsis.