Columbia University in the City of New York · BiologyHengst Lab
Ulrich Hengst · New York, New York
Research Focus
Dr. Ulrich Hengst's lab at Columbia University focuses on how neurons respond to stress, particularly through a newly discovered secreted protein that helps protect them during stressful situations. This protein, originating from an important transcription factor, has the potential to improve cell survival and mitochondrial function in receiving neurons. The lab investigates how stress triggers the production of this protective factor, its mechanisms of action, and its broader implications for understanding neuroprotection in the brain.
neuroprotectionstress responsecell signalingCREB3L2mitochondrial functioncell cultureShh signalingprotein secretionoxidative stressneuronal resilience
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how CREB3L2 is secreted from neurons under stress conditions.
AIM 02Determine the role of the secreted protein in enhancing neuronal resilience.
AIM 03Characterize the mechanisms by which this secreted protein affects mitochondrial function.
AIM 04Explore the interactions between the secreted protein and other signaling pathways.
AIM 05Utilize knockout mouse models to elucidate the role of CREB3L2 in neuronal stress responses.
Skills the Lab Values
cell cultureprimary neuron isolationmitochondrial assaysprotein purificationWestern blotchromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)RNA sequencing (RNA-seq)animal handling (mouse models)immunofluorescence microscopydata analysis using Python
Output against the department
Publications45bottom 10% of dept.931st of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations2.9kbottom 22% of dept.808th 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.