Dr. Moses V. Chao is a distinguished neuroscientist renowned for his pioneering contributions to understanding neurotrophic factor signaling and neuronal development. He currently serves as Professor of Cell Biology, Professor of Neuroscience & Physiology, and Professor of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Chao earned his BA degree from Pomona College and completed his PhD in the Department of Chemistry at UCLA. Following his doctoral studies, he held a prestigious American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship from 1980 to 1983, launching his distinguished career in neurobiology research, and later received the Cornell University Scholars Award from 1985 to 1988.
Dr. Chao's groundbreaking research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of how nerve growth factors regulate neuronal and glial cell function throughout development and in disease states. His laboratory has made seminal contributions to identifying the biochemical mechanisms by which neurotrophic factors such as NGF and BDNF direct neuronal survival, differentiation, and plasticity through specific receptor-mediated signaling pathways. His work on trophic factor independence in mature neurons has provided critical insights into neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic approaches. Dr. Chao's research program has been consistently recognized by major funding agencies and has shaped contemporary understanding of cellular communication in the nervous system.
Beyond his research accomplishments, Dr. Chao has played a significant leadership role in the neuroscience community through numerous advisory positions and editorial responsibilities. He served as Director of the NYU Neuroscience Graduate Program from 2016 to 2019 and currently serves as a Reviewing Editor for eLIFE. His recognition as a Simons Foundation Senior Fellow from 2015 to 2020 and as a NARSAD Distinguished Investigator underscores his standing as a thought leader in the field. Dr. Chao continues to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying neurotrophic factor signaling with implications for understanding and treating neurological disorders, maintaining an active laboratory that trains the next generation of neuroscientists at NYU.
