Wu Chen

Wu Chen, Ph.D., is an Instructor in the Department of Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. He is actively involved in research at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, focusing on neurodevelopmental and epileptic encephalopathies.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Mentor: Dr. Alan Chiu
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Michigan, Neurology, Mentor: Dr. William Stacey
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Baylor College of Medicine, Neuroscience, Mentor: Dr. Mingshan Xue
• Internship, Tulane University, Neuroscience, Mentor: Dr. Jeffrey Tasker

Dr. Chen's research centers on neural signal processing, gene therapy, and neurological disorders, particularly STXBP1 encephalopathy and Angelman syndrome. His work combines transgenic mouse models, AAV-mediated gene replacement, and antisense oligonucleotide therapies to understand and treat synaptic and circuit-level dysfunctions in neurodevelopmental conditions.

His recent publications (2012–2023) show a consistent trajectory in gene-based interventions for neurological disorders, with a strong emphasis on rescuing synaptic and electrophysiological phenotypes in mouse models of Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, and STXBP1 deficiency. The research spans molecular genetics, electrophysiology, and behavioral neuroscience, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and treating neurodevelopmental diseases.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Dean’s Award for Excellence, Baylor College of Medicine
• Young Investigator Award, American Epilepsy Society
• Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, American Epilepsy Society (2020)
• NRI Zoghbi Scholar Award, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute
• 2022 Young Investigator Award, Uplifting Athletes

Dr. Chen has been involved in significant research projects, including AAV-mediated gene therapy for STXBP1-related encephalopathy and reactivating paternal Ube3a in Angelman syndrome. His work is supported by competitive fellowships and institutional awards. While no formal advisees are listed, his collaborations with senior investigators like Dr. Huda Zoghbi and Dr. Mingshan Xue suggest a strong mentorship environment. He is a key contributor to ongoing efforts in developing targeted therapies for rare neurological disorders.

Laboratory and Research Teams: Dr. Chen conducts his research within the broader ecosystem of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, collaborating with leading labs focused on neurogenetics and neurodevelopmental disorders. His projects are embedded in a highly collaborative, translational neuroscience environment.