Fenglei He

Fenglei He is an Associate Professor at Tulane University's School of Science & Engineering. His research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying craniofacial development, particularly the role of growth factor signaling pathways in regulating neural crest cells. He utilizes in vitro and in vivo approaches to study craniofacial morphogenesis and associated diseases.

Education: Ph.D., Tulane University, 2009.

Research interests include neural crest cell behavior, growth factor signaling (e.g., PDGFRα, BMP, Wnt), and congenital defects like craniosynostosis. His lab explores how molecular pathways influence tissue patterning, cell differentiation, and disease pathogenesis.

Recent work highlights PDGFRα’s role in craniofacial tissue differentiation and coronal suture development. Studies on Wnt and BMP signaling underscore their roles in palate formation and tooth development. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications to reduce birth defects.

Lab Address: 201 Lindy Claiborne Boggs Center, New Orleans, LA.