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| Name |
Chao, Moses V. |
| Location
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New York University Langone Medical Center |
| Primary Field
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Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience |
| Secondary Field
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Cellular and Developmental Biology |
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 Research Interests
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Dr. Chao’s research is focused on how nerve growth factors affect neuronal and glial cell function. Neurotrophic factors, such as NGF and BDNF (Brain-derived neurotropic factor), are potent signaling molecules that were originally characterized for their ability to regulate neuronal growth, survival and differentiation during early development. However, in the adult, these trophic factors are involved in synaptic plasticity and neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, pain, injury and mood disorders. BDNF has also been directly linked to metabolic syndromes, such as obesity and hyperphagia. An unexplored area is how BDNF receptor signaling influences signaling from the periphery to the brain. Recently it has been realized that mature post-mitotic neurons can become independent of trophic factors for survival. The future aim is to understand how trophic factor independence is achieved, which may represent a key factor in neurodegenerative diseases, as well as longevity. A primary objective of the research is to identify biochemical steps in signaling used by trophic factors and other neuropeptides, such as oxytocin, to understand how specificity is encoded in cell-cell communication in the nervous system. |
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