Min Hao Kuo

Min Hao Kuo serves as Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Michigan State University, with concurrent faculty appointments in the Genetics & Genome Sciences Program, Neuroscience Program, and Cell & Molecular Biology Program. His research program bridges molecular neuroscience and biochemistry, focusing on pathological mechanisms in neurodegenerative disorders.

His academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Rochester (1995)
• B.S. in Medical Technology from National Taiwan University (1986)

Dr. Kuo's research centers on Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, specifically investigating hyperphosphorylated tau protein dynamics, aggregation mechanisms, and neurotoxicity. Current work explores tau oligomerization, liquid-liquid phase separation (coacervation), and cross-talk with inflammatory mediators like galectin-3. His secondary research trajectory examines fundamental cell biology processes in yeast models, including quiescence regulation and lipid metabolism in aging. Methodologically, he employs biochemical assays, mass spectrometry for proteoform analysis, and innovative in vivo imaging techniques using single-domain antibodies.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a dominant focus on tau-centric Alzheimer's research, comprising 13 of 15 articles. Key thematic clusters include: (1) tau aggregation inhibitors and drug repurposing (e.g., apomorphine, sulfonamides), (2) advanced imaging of tau pathology, and (3) molecular interactions between tau and co-factors (heparan sulfate, RNA, heme oxygenase-1). Two articles maintain his historical yeast research focus, examining cell division in quiescence.

His scholarly recognition includes:

• MSU College of Natural Science Dissertation Completion Fellowship (2010)
• Sigma Xi Graduate Student Award (2009)
• Departmental Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award (2009)
• Future Academic Scholars in Teaching Fellowship (2006-2007)

Mentorship activities are evidenced through graduate student awards and dissertation fellowships, though specific advisee names aren't documented. His teaching portfolio includes BMB 829: Special Problems in Macromolecular Analysis & Synthesis. Research funding appears institutionally supported through MSU fellowships, with likely external grants given the publication volume and technical scope.

His laboratory maintains active research in tau biochemistry and neurodegeneration, utilizing capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry, cell-based aggregation assays, and transgenic models. Collaborative networks are evident through multi-institutional publications focusing on tau imaging and therapeutic development.