Ping Wu

Ping Wu, MD, PhD is Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Medicine, where he also directs the Neuroscience Graduate Program. His affiliations include the Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Mission Connect TIRR Foundation, and Center for Addiction Research.

His educational background includes a PhD in Neuroendocrinology from UTMB, postdoctoral training in Molecular Neuroscience & Gene Transfer at the University of Florida, and a BM (MD equivalent) from Peking University. His research focuses on neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs), spanning both basic mechanisms and translational applications for neurotrauma, neural infections, neurodegeneration, and substance abuse. Key areas include NSC-based drug screening, fetal brain development under viral infection (notably Zika), and maternal opioid exposure effects.

Publications reveal strong emphasis on neurovirology (Zika, Powassan, La Crosse viruses), neurotrauma modeling, and developmental neurotoxicology. Recent work demonstrates expertise in microglial roles in vertical viral transmission, opioid-induced neurodevelopmental perturbations, and NSC-based therapeutic strategies. His team employs human/rodent NSC models, transcriptomics, and advanced in vivo imaging to investigate neuroinflammatory pathways and cellular responses to insults.

While no formal awards are listed in the provided text, his leadership roles (Director of Neuroscience Graduate Program, John S. Dunn Distinguished Chair holder) signify institutional recognition. His research program leverages multiple UTMB-affiliated centers for collaborative neurodegenerative and addiction research, with significant focus on translational applications of NSC biology.