Dr. Chu’s lab research focuses on the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease, a chronic and progressive human disorder. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the progressive degeneration of midbrain cells that produce and release dopamine and the accumulation of insoluble protein aggregates. Loss of dopamine-producing cells significantly affects brain control of behaviors, resulting in Parkinsonian motor symptoms such as slowness or absence of motor activities. Dr. Chu’s lab is also interested in the functional impact of the loss of dopamine and the formation of insoluble protein aggregates to brain circuits, closely linking to the progression and treatment of the disease.
Academic Appointment(s)
- Primary
- Associate Professor, Pharmacology & Physiology