Dr. Moses Chao

Biography

Moses V. Chao is a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology, Department of Neuroscience, and Department of Psychiatry at New York University. His research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the actions of neurotrophic factors, particularly their role in neuronal differentiation and survival. He is interested in understanding how cell-cell interactions mediated by a variety of growth factors and cytokines direct differentiation and proliferation in the nervous system. A key aspect of his work involves identifying biochemical steps that confer specificity to nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling, particularly how it can signal both cell survival and death depending on the receptor context. His laboratory investigates the signaling mechanisms of neurotrophins through transmembrane receptors, including TrkA and p75 neurotrophin receptor, as well as their impact on the survival and apoptosis of oligodendrocytes. Chao’s work aims to elucidate the diverse roles of these receptors and their influence on the development and regulation of neuronal and glial cell types.

Research Interests