University of North Texas Health Science Center · PhysiologyThe Astrocyte Initiative
Chu Chen · Fort Worth, Texas
Research Focus
Dr. Chu Chen's lab focuses on understanding and developing new therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD), which significantly impacts the aging population. The lab's research centers on astrocytes, a specific type of brain cell, and how silencing a key enzyme can mitigate AD-related symptoms. By targeting the endocannabinoid system, particularly the metabolism of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), the lab aims to create effective gene therapies that could prevent or slow down cognitive decline in AD.
Alzheimer's diseaseastrocytesMAGLendocannabinoidsgene therapyneuroinflammation2-AG metabolismneuroprotectioncognitive function
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the role of astrocytic MAGL in Alzheimer's disease pathology.
AIM 02Test the therapeutic potential of AAV-mediated gene silencing in animal models of AD.
AIM 03Assess the impact of selective MAGL inactivation on cognitive function and synaptic health in AD models.
AIM 04Explore the relationship between neuroinflammation and the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
AIM 05Develop novel interventions to improve therapeutic outcomes for Alzheimer's disease.
Skills the Lab Values
animal modelsgene silencingAAV vector technologydrug testingbioinformaticscell cultureimmunohistochemistrybehavioral assaysWestern blot
Output against the department
Publications648top 3% of dept.8th of 286
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations49ktop 3% of dept.10th of 286
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.