Rate My Professor Chu Chen

Chu Chen, Ph.D., is Professor and Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Chair in Neural Physiology in the Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He earned his B.S. from Nanjing University in Nanjing, China, M.S. from Zhejiang University School of Medicine in Hangzhou, China, Ph.D. from Tulane University in New Orleans, and completed postdoctoral training at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. His research programs focus on neuroinflammation in health and disease, investigating cellular, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms underlying pathogenesis and neuropathology in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)/AD-like neuropathology. Dr. Chen explores endocannabinoid signaling in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases, identifying novel therapeutic targets for AD and TBI-related neurodegeneration.

Dr. Chen’s laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding endocannabinoid regulation of synaptic plasticity, neuroprotection, and disease pathology. Key publications include 'Δ9-THC-caused synaptic and memory impairments are mediated through COX-2 signaling' (Cell, 2013), 'Monoacylglycerol lipase is a therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease' (Cell Reports, 2012), and 'Synaptic and cognitive improvements by inhibition of 2-AG metabolism are through upregulation of microRNA-188-3p in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease' (Journal of Neuroscience, 2014, featured article). More recent works encompass 'A combination of low-dose Δ9-THC and celecoxib as therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease' (Aging and Disease, 2026), 'Enhancing endocannabinoid signaling in astrocytes promotes recovery from traumatic brain injury' (Brain, 2022), and 'TDP-43 drives synaptic and cognitive deteriorations following traumatic brain injury' (Acta Neuropathologica, 2022). His studies have been highlighted in prestigious journals such as Nature Reviews Neuroscience and covered extensively in scientific media. Dr. Chen received the endowment of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Chair in Neural Physiology and was awarded funding from the Owens Medical Research Foundation for Alzheimer’s research in 2025. He contributes to the Center for Biomedical Neuroscience and mentors postdoctoral fellows and graduate students.