Fen-Biao Gao, Ph.D.

Dr. Gao studies molecular pathogenic mechanisms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), two genetically and pathologically related neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, he has contributed substantially to the understanding of dysregulated molecular pathways common to both FTD and ALS. His current project will continue to use a combination of molecular, cellular and genetic approaches in both Drosophila and induced pluripotent stem cell models to dissect pathogenic mechanisms of FTD/ALS and identify potential molecular targets for therapeutic development.