Chieh Chang, PhD
Associate Professor
Mentor, Biological Mechanisms
Department of Biological Sciences
Contact
Building & Room:
MBRB 4160
Office Phone:
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About
The research in Dr. Chang's laboratory addresses these questions: How do neurons regulate transition of sequential events in neuronal connectivity from axon pathfinding to synapse formation? How do neurons regenerate and repair themselves after injury? How do engulfing cells clean up neuronal “waste” after neuronal degeneration? How are neuronal degeneration and regeneration related? How does age influence the intrinsic nerve growth ability? What mechanisms govern dendritic arborization of the nociceptive neurons to ensure uniform sensory coverage of skin that envelops the entire animal body? Dr. Chang asks these questions mainly in the context of nematode C. elegans with an overarching goal of establishing basic principles underlying development and regeneration of neural circuits that can be applicable to other model organisms. Dr. Chang has studied signaling mechanisms that control gene expression, organogenesis, nerve pathfinding, and nerve regeneration in C. elegans for nearly nineteen years. Recently, Dr. Chang's lab identified several timing mechanisms regulating orderly neuronal connectivity and regeneration change.