Chun Yue Geoffrey LAU, 劉俊宇

Mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity Cortical circuit mapping Neuron type-specific function Circuit basis of olfaction Models of neuropsychiatric disorders Through the complex interaction of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, animals perceive and analyze the environment, learn associations, and perform behavior that is beneficial for their survival. How are specific neural circuits wired up in a manner that enables the brain to perform these functions? Our overall goal is to understand sensory processing and plasticity in terms of interactions of specific neuron types in the cortex. We use the mouse olfactory cortex and hippocampus as model systems and utilize an array of methods including electrophysiology (in vitro and in vivo), 2-photon microscopy, optogenetics, mouse genetics, and immunofluorescent labeling. Understanding how specific cell types functionally influence each other will provide fundamental insights about how the brain works. In addition, it will form the basis for illuminating why certain cells are more vulnerable in neurological and psychiatric disorders and this knowledge will aid the development of novel therapeutics. More info can be found at Dr Lau’s lab website.

[2025] Targeting TUBB2B inhibits triple-negative breast cancer growth and brain-metastatic colonization. He, Q. (Co-first Author), Hu, J. (Co-first Author), Ngo, F.-Y., Zhang, H., He, L., Huang, H., Wu, T., Pan, Y., Yang, Z., Jiang, Y., Cho, W. C., Cheuk, W., Tse, G. M., Tsang, J. Y., Yang, M., Zhang, L., Wang, X., Lo, P.-C., Lau, C. G. & Chin, Y. R. 17 Feb 2025. Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research., 44, 55. RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal. [2024] Artificial fluorescent sensor reveals pre-synaptic NMDA receptors switch cholecystokinin release and LTP in the hippocampus. Wong, Y.-T., Zheng, X., Lau, S.-H., Sun, K.-H. M., Chen, X., Li, H., Ng, S.-L., Jiang, H. H., Lau, G. C. Y. & He, J. Sept 2024. Journal of Neurochemistry., 168(9), p. 2621-2639. RGC 21 - Publicatio