Harvard University · BiologyThe Blood-Brain Bridge Lab
Chenghua Gu · Cambridge, Massachusetts
Research Focus
Dr. Chenghua Gu's lab at Harvard Medical School focuses on understanding the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which protects the brain by regulating what substances can enter from the bloodstream. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms that maintain this barrier and how it can be manipulated for drug delivery, particularly in the context of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. By combining genetics, imaging, and biochemical approaches, the lab aims to develop new therapies to better treat brain-related health issues.
blood-brain barrierneurological disordersdrug deliverymolecular mechanismsCNStranscytosisneuroinflammationAlzheimer's DiseaseParkinson's Diseasebrain endothelial cells
Research Aims
5AIM 01Identify key regulators of the blood-brain barrier in CNS endothelial cells.
AIM 02Understand signals from non-endothelial cells that regulate BBB permeability.
AIM 03Investigate how BBB permeability changes in various physiological and pathological conditions.
AIM 04Translate findings into therapeutic applications for neurological disorders.
AIM 05Expand research efforts to deepen our understanding of BBB function and regulation.
Skills the Lab Values
mouse geneticsimagingcell culturebiochemical assaysmolecular biology techniquessignal transduction analysistranscriptome analysisendothelial cell modelingbioinformaticswestern blotting
Output against the department
Publications76bottom 22% of dept.804th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations10ktop 36% of dept.375th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.