Chenghua Gu, Ph.D.

The overarching goal of Dr. Gu's research is to understand the mechanisms by which neural and vascular systems develop, communicate, and work in concert to ensure proper brain function. Here, she focuses on providing new tools to identify key regulators of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Using a multitude of approaches, including genetics, imaging, and biochemistry, Dr. Gu will seek to understand the factors influencing BBB permeability and determine how that permeability changes during different physiological and pathological conditions. In addition to advancing our fundamental understanding of the BBB, this work could promote discovery of novel therapies to manipulate the BBB for treating neurologic conditions.