Biography
Specialties
Research Topics
Multi-Disciplinary Training Area
John Cijiang He, MD, PhD
PROFESSOR | Medicine, Nephrology
PROFESSOR | Pharmacological Sciences
PROFESSOR | Artificial Intelligence and Human Health
PROFESSOR | Medicine, Nephrology
PROFESSOR | Pharmacological Sciences
PROFESSOR | Artificial Intelligence and Human Health
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Research
Podocyte Biology and Pathology
We are studying the signaling network that mediates podocyte differentiation and injury using both in vitro and in vivo models. We are studying the relationship between mechanical force, morphology, and chemical signals and their role in maintaining normal podocyte differentiation status. We are studying the mechanism of podocyte injury in diabetic kidney disease and HIV-associated nephropathy. We are studying the role of podocyte-specific proteins such as Tyro3 and RARRES1 in glomerular disease.Pathogenesis of HIV-Associated Nephropathy
We are studying the role of HIV viral proteins such as Nef and Vpr in the development of HIV-associated nephropathy. We are also investigating the mechanism of chronic HIV infection on the progression of other kidney diseases such as diabetic nephropathy and hypertensive kidney disease.Pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease
We studied the role of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) and oxidative stress in podocyte injury and diabetic kidney disease. We also studied the role and the post-translational regulation of key transcription factors such as FOXO, NF-kB and Stat3 in mediating podocyte injury in diabetic kidney disease. In recent years, we are studying the role endothelial cell injury and macrophage-mediated inflammation in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease.Using systems biology approach to study kidney disease
We are using systems biology approach to study cell signaling and gene transcription networks in kidney disease. We are studying the transcriptome, epigenome and proteome in injured podocytes and diseased kidney. We are using systems pharmacology approach to identify new drug targets or therapy for kidney disease.Liver kidney crosstalk
We are studying how liver disease such as MASH affects the progression of CKD via regulation of lipid metabolism and secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs).Role of HIPK2 in kidney fibrosis
We have identified that HIPK2 plays a key role in kidney fibrosis. We are studying the mechanism of HIPK2 in mediating kidney fibrosis and try to identify potential anti-fibrosis therapy by targeting HIPK2. Please visit the He Laboratory.
Kidney fibrosis
We have identified that HIPK2 plays a key role in kidney fibrosis. We are studying the mechanism of HIPK2 in mediating kidney fibrosis. We have identified an allosteric inhibitor of HIPK2 as anti-fibrosis drug which is now in a phase 2 clinical trial.Education
MD, Shanghai 2nd Medical School
MD, St. George's School of Medicine
MS, University of Paris VII
Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai 2nd Medical School
Tenon Hospital
PhD, University of Paris VII
Tenon Hospital
SUNY Health Science Center
SUNY Health Science Center
The Mount Sinai Medical Center
Residency, Internal Medicine, State University of NY Health Science Center/Brooklyn
Fellowship, Nephrology, National Cancer Institute, NIH
Fellowship, Nephrology, Mount Sinai Hospital
Certifications
American Board of Internal Medicine
Office Locations
Industry Relationships
Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies, and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.
Below are financial relationships with industry reported by Dr. He during 2025 and/or 2026. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.
Consulting or Other Professional Services Examples include, but are not limited to, committee participation, data safety monitoring board (DSMB) membership
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
- Renalytix AL
- Ono Pharmaceuticals
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Vera Therapeutics
- Yingli
Editorial Services
- Kidney International
Founder/Co-Founder/Partner
- Rila Therapeutics, Inc.
Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.
Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies, and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.
Below are financial relationships with industry reported by Dr. He during 2025 and/or 2026. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.
Consulting or Other Professional Services Examples include, but are not limited to, committee participation, data safety monitoring board (DSMB) membership
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
- Renalytix AL
- Ono Pharmaceuticals
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Vera Therapeutics
- Yingli
Editorial Services
- Kidney International
Founder/Co-Founder/Partner
- Rila Therapeutics, Inc.
Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.