Xiangmin Xu

Xiangmin Xu is a Chancellor's Professor in the Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), and Director of the Center for Neural Circuit Mapping. His research focuses on the structure, function, and development of neural circuits, with particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms, viral vector technologies, and neurobiological processes underlying cognition and disease. He leads interdisciplinary projects involving advanced imaging, genetic tools, and computational methods to map brain circuits and understand their role in neurological disorders.

Dr. Xu’s work integrates molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience approaches. Key areas of investigation include the application of viral tracers (e.g., rabies and HSV vectors) to map neuronal connectivity, the impact of microglia and endothelial cells in neurodegeneration, and translational studies using animal models like the Octodon degus to study aging and Alzheimer’s pathology. He also explores therapeutic interventions, such as BDNF augmentation, to mitigate cognitive decline.

His publications span topics like neural circuit plasticity, spatial coding deficits in Alzheimer’s models, and the molecular basis of psychiatric disorders. Collaborations with clinicians and engineers highlight his commitment to bridging basic science and clinical applications. The Center for Neural Circuit Mapping under his direction fosters innovation in neurotechnology and data-driven neuroscience.