Hsiao-Huei Chen

Biography

Titles:

Senior Scientist, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Neuroscience Program

Professor, UOttawa, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine & Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine

 

Biography:

BSc, Zoology, National Taiwan University

PhD, Virology, University of Chicago

Postdoctoral training, University of Pittsburgh

Honors: New Investigator Award (CIHR, decline; HSFC) & Mid-carrier Award (HSFO)

Since joining OHRI and UOttawa, Dr. Chen has pursued an eclectic research program with her team, combining electrophysiological, molecular biological and animal behavior studies. While working on stroke, one of her transgenic mouse models developed obesity and diabetes with anxiety-like behaviors. This serendipitous observation has led to a breakthrough finding identifying a common link between metabolic and neurological disorders. Chen’s lab has discovered a new class of drugs to treat anxiety, Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia. Her lab’s recent work at Nature Communications reported how this metabolic link may tie to Autism by disrupting homeostasis of inhibitory circuits at the prefrontal cortex. Chen is collaborating with a pharmaceutical company to develop therapies to prevent obesity and restore healthy brain function. [email protected]_ChenLab

Selected Publications:

Hyperactivated PTP1B phosphatase in parvalbumin neurons alters anterior cingulate inhibitory circuits. Nature Communications (2020)

Neuronal Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B hastens Amyloid β-associated Alzheimer’s disease in mice. Journal of Neuroscience (2020)

IRF2BP2-deficient microglia block the anxiolytic effect of enhanced postnatal care. Scientific Reports (2017)

IRF2BP2 Reduces Macrophage Inflammation and Susceptibility to Atherosclerosis. Circulation Research (2015)

Chronic Stress Induces Anxiety via an Amygdalar Intracellular Cascade that Impairs Endocannabinoid Signaling. Neuron (2015)

 

Research Interests:

My laboratory is working to identify the common molecular links between metabolic and neurological disorders, including stroke, anxiety, schizophrenia, autism and Alzheimer's disease. We aim to develop common therapies to restore healthy brain function.