Mingshan Xue

Dr. Mingshan Xue is an Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, holding appointments in the Departments of Neuroscience and Molecular and Human Genetics. He is affiliated with the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute and the Cain Foundation Laboratories. His research focuses on synaptic mechanisms underlying neural circuit function, with a particular emphasis on neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy and autism. Dr. Xue’s work combines molecular, electrophysiological, and computational approaches to study synaptic excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance, genetic causes of neurodevelopmental disorders, and gene therapy strategies.

• Education: PhD (Baylor College of Medicine), Postdoctoral Fellowship (UC San Diego), BS (Fudan University)
• Affiliations: Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute

Research interests include:

• Mechanisms of E/I ratio regulation in cortical circuits
• Mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., STXBP1 encephalopathy)
• Development of optogenetic tools and deep-learning algorithms for EEG analysis

Key achievements include the creation of STXBP1 mouse models and the development of antisense oligonucleotide therapies for Angelman syndrome. His lab has received funding from NIH, McKnight Foundation, and the Whitehall Foundation, among others.

Awards: McKnight Scholar Award (2018), NARSAD Young Investigator Award (2016), Caroline DeLuca Scholar (2014).

Current students and postdocs are actively involved in projects spanning synaptic physiology, gene therapy, and neurotechnology development. The lab collaborates with clinical teams to translate findings into therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders.