BDNF-based Synaptic Repair Strategy for Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases

Dr. Bai Lu (Professor in the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Tsinghua University) is visiting UBC and will be giving a special informal seminar titled: “BDNF-based synaptic repair strategy for neurological and psychiatric diseases” and discussing ideas for collaboration.

Dr. Lu has pioneered research in the role of brain growth and trophic factors, particularly BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in brain development and cognitive functions, and is credited for several major discoveries: 1) discovered BDNF regulation of LTP, a cellular model for memory, opening up a new field. 2) identified a human genetic variant that impacts BDNF secretion and short-term memory in human; This was ranked No. 2 in the “10 Breakthrough of the Year” by Science in the year 2003. 3) developed a ‘BDNF-based neural repair’ hypothesis for neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Lu’s current research focuses on neural repair’ hypothesis for neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Lu’s current research focuses on neural circuits underlying cognitive functions, translational medicine and drug discovery for neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. His recent work includes technology platforms such as novel animal models for Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia, brain organoids derived from human stem cells, and AI-based disease biomarkers. His laboratory has also generated several new drug candidates, some are in the clinical stages.