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Wenjuan Shen, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow


Neuronal Connectivity Laboratory
Program in Neuroscience
801 W. Baltimore Street
Suite 301
Baltimore, MD 21201
443.860.2580 ext748
wshen@hussmanautism.org

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  • Education & Experience
  • Research Interests
  • Research Background
  • Selected Publications

Education & Experience

2015-present   Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism

2011-2012        Research Scientist, SpectraGenetics Inc., Pittsburgh, PA

2012                  Ph.D., Pathology, and Pathophysiology, Jinan University, School of Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

2007                  M.Sc., Pharmacology, Jinan University, College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, China

2005                  B.Sc., Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China

Research Interests

Autism’s etiology remains largely unknown but evidence shows that genetic factors and dendritic spine dysgenesis play critical roles. My interest currently focuses on manipulating autism candidate genes in vivo and in vitro to see if they regulate dendritic spine morphology and synaptic function in different neurons. Our observations will provide new information with potential for improving the understanding and treatment of autism.

Research Background

During my master’s training, my research focused on studying pro-apoptotic effects of natural medicine on HepG2 cells and tumor-bearing mice. I found that Litchi seed water extract induced HepG2 cell apoptosis and decreased viability by increasing Bax expression and reducing Bcl-2 expression. During my doctoral training, I investigated the role of chlorogenic acid (CGA) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglia activation. Our data demonstrated that CGA significantly suppressed the production of NO and TNF-α and improved survival of dopaminergic (DA) neurons. These effects are associated with inhibition of the NF-κB signaling cascade activation. After joining SpectraGenetics Inc., I took responsibility for building a GPCR library with over 120 GPCR genes for biomedical research and drug discovery. To create the library, I used FAP-tag technology, which is a new class of small genetically encoded biosensors. In the meantime, I constructed a variety of full-length reporter-tagged mouse and human genes.

Selected Publications

Shen WJ, Qi RB, zhang J, et al. Chlorogenic acid inhibits LPS-induced microglial activation and improves survival of dopaminergic neurons. Brain Research Bulletin. 2012, 88(5): 487-494. [PMID: 22580132]

Chen MF, Sun X, Shen WJ, et al. Generation of retinal ganglion-like cells from reprogrammed mouse fibroblasts. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2010, 51(11): 5970-5978. [PMID: 20484577]

Chen MF, Sun XR, Jiang RZ, Shen WJ, et al. The role of MEF feeder cells in direct reprogramming of mouse tail-tip fibroblasts. Cell Biol Int. 2009, 33(12): 1268-1273. [PMID: 19524692]

  • “The soul must be loved as it is.”

    Jamie Burke
  • “Autism awareness can’t stop with a list of what makes people with autism different from us. Because what is essential is the constant awareness of what makes us the same.”

    John P. Hussman, Ph.D., Director
  • “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

    The Little Prince

    Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • “We agree with the view that presuming competence is the least dangerous assumption.”

    John P. Hussman, Ph.D., Director
  • “Autism is not disability.”

    Jamie Burke
  • “We are just like you, with the same desires, and just need help to be typical members of society.”

    Sue Rubin
  • “In the end, the best argument for inclusion is the simplest. It’s the one we know by heart – that all of us are created equal.”

    John P. Hussman, Ph.D., Director
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Recent Activity:
  • Supporting Students with Special Needs: Online Training Modules for School-Based Professionals who Support Students with Disabilities
    April 16, 2019
  • Parental optimism, school inclusion may affect long-term progress of individuals with autism
    April 12, 2016
  • Young adults with autism increase empathic communication with training
    March 24, 2016
  • Seeing things differently: Altered GABA signaling at play in autistic visual perception
    March 10, 2016

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Administration & Program on Autism Supports
Hussman Institute for Autism
6021 University Blvd, Ste 490
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone 443-860-2580 | Email info@hussmanautism.org

Program on Neuroscience
Hussman Institute for Autism
801 W. Baltimore Street, Third Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone 443-860-2580 | Email info@hussmanautism.org

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