Wen-Jun Gao

Wen-Jun Gao is a Professor in the Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy at Drexel University College of Medicine. He holds a MD from Chongqing University of Medical Sciences and a PhD from the Shanghai Brain Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences. His research focuses on functional plasticity of the prefrontal cortex, synaptic mechanisms, and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, and ADHD. Dr. Gao leads the Gao Lab, investigating monoaminergic regulation and neurodevelopmental processes.

Research Highlights:

• Examines synaptic signaling and dopamine/norepinephrine regulation in prefrontal circuits.
• Investigates genetic and epigenetic factors in mental disorders using rodent models.
• Studies NMDA receptor dysfunction in schizophrenia and therapeutic interventions.

Grants & Awards:

• NARSAD Independent Investigator Award (2015).
• NIH R01 grants on NMDA receptors and prefrontal dopamine.
• CURE grants exploring social behavior and aggression.

Advising & Team:

• Guides graduate students (Alexander Benson, Jake Clarin) and MD/PhD trainees (Leigh Taylor Flynn).
• Labs focus on prefrontal circuitry and translational neuroscience.