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Lu Chen is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Department of Neurosurgery at Stanford University. His research focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie synapse function and behavior, particularly in the context of developing the mature brain. He investigates homeostatic control of synaptic strength and the role of postsynaptic protein translation in disorders such as Fragile X syndrome. Chen has contributed significantly to the understanding of how all-trans retinoic acid (RA) regulates synapse formation and synaptic strength. His findings reveal that RA acts as a novel diffusible messenger that modulates synaptic transmission in mature neurons by stimulating the insertion of new postsynaptic AMPA receptors. Chen has received numerous prestigious awards for his research, including the NRSA Postdoc fellowship from NIH and the MacArthur Fellowship. He actively participates in professional organizations and serves on editorial boards of leading neuroscience journals. Chen's work continues to shed light on the synaptic mechanisms involved in mental health conditions, offering potential new avenues for treatment and intervention.
Stanford University • Stanford, California
Teaching and researching in the areas of neurosurgery and psychiatry, focusing on synaptic mechanisms and behavioral sciences.
Stanford University • Stanford, California
Engaged in research and teaching in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.