Genetic approaches and next-generation 3D human brain models to decode pediatric neurological disease.
About the Lab
The Chen Lab investigates the genetic mechanisms underlying pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders. Building on advances in multi-level in vitro and in vivo 3D cellular systems, we aim to investigate how disease-causing variants alter gene networks, cellular states, and circuit-level phenotypes in the developing human brain.
Research Focus
We use human iPSC-derived neurons, brain organoids, and mouse models to study how genetic variants cause pediatric neurological disease.
Investigating the genetic underpinnings of autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and epilepsy using patient-derived iPSC models and CRISPR genome editing.
Developing next-generation cerebral organoid systems to model human brain development and disease in a dish, enabling high-throughput functional assays.
Decoding how disease-causing variants disrupt RNA splicing networks and alter gene expression programs during human neurodevelopment.
Translating mechanistic insights into therapeutic approaches, including antisense oligonucleotides, gene therapy vectors, and small molecule screens.
Publications
Selected publications from the Chen Lab. For a complete list, see Google Scholar.
The Team
Lab Life
Science is better together — moments from the Chen Lab.
News & Updates
Latest updates from the Chen Lab.
Join Us
We are always looking for passionate scientists to join our team.
Contact
We welcome inquiries from prospective lab members, collaborators, and the press. Please reach out by email.