Members
Lihsia Chen Chen PhD
Position: associate Professor University of Minnesota
Areas of Interest: Congenital, Developmental Biology, Genetics
Country: United States
Email: chenx260@umn.edu
Areas of Interest: Congenital, Developmental Biology, Genetics
Research focus:
Mutations in the L1 gene are the most prevalent cause for X-linked congenital hydrocephalus. My research program focuses on genetic interactions that enhance or suppress abnormalities caused by impaired L1 function. We have identified a synergistic link between L1 and the Ras-MAP Kinase signaling pathway underlying fluid dysregulation in the model organism C. elegans. Study on this synergy provides mechanistic insight underlying hydrocephalus. Indeed, congenital hydrocephalus is often observed in patients with dysregulated Ras-MAP kinase signaling or impaired L1 function. We are investigating this genetic synergy in both C. elegans and congenital hydrocephalus patient exomes.
