The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston · NeurosciencePrenatal Exposure and Brain Development Lab
Ping Wu · Galveston, Texas
Research Focus
Dr. Ping Wu's lab focuses on understanding how prenatal exposures, specifically to opioids and Zika virus, affect brain development and behavior in offspring. They employ animal models to study cellular mechanisms that lead to developmental defects, aiming to find new strategies to prevent these effects. The research blends genetic, biochemical, and behavioral analyses to explore how maternal health impacts fetal brain health and function.
opioid exposureZika virusbrain developmentneural differentiationmicrogliapregnancy effectsanimal modelscongenital abnormalitiesdrug exposure effectsADHD
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how prenatal opioid exposure affects neural development and behavior in offspring.
AIM 02Examine the role of microglia in the Zika virus infection and its impact on fetal brain development.
AIM 03Identify cellular mechanisms that lead to ADHD-like behaviors due to maternal opioid treatment.
AIM 04Explore how maternal Zika virus infection alters microglial function during neural differentiation.
AIM 05Develop new strategies for preventing the adverse effects of opioids and viruses during pregnancy.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturein vitro experimentsanimal modelsmolecular biology techniquesbiochemical assaysgenetic manipulationbehavioral testingimmunohistochemistrymicroscopyPCR
Output against the department
Publications801top 6% of dept.41st of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations17ktop 24% of dept.160th of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
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