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Yangzhong Huang

Assistant Research Professor of Neurobiology
Neurobiology
Box 3676 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
405 Bryan Research Bldg, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


The goal of my research is to elucidate the molecular and signaling mechanisms underlying epilepsy, a common and commonly devastating neurological disorder. There are two major objectives of my current work. I aim to understand the mechanisms by which brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tyrosine kinase TrkB transform the brain from normal to epileptic, a process termed epileptogenesis; and to develop peptide and small molecule inhibitors of TrkB signaling for prevention and disease modification of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Assistant Research Professor of Neurobiology · 2017 - Present Neurobiology, Basic Science Departments

Recent Publications


Targeting BDNF/TrkB pathways for preventing or suppressing epilepsy.

Journal Article Neuropharmacology · May 1, 2020 Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and status epilepticus (SE) have both been linked to development of human epilepsy. Although distinct etiologies, current research has suggested the convergence of molecular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis following these ... Full text Link to item Cite

Regression of Epileptogenesis by Inhibiting Tropomyosin Kinase B Signaling following a Seizure.

Journal Article Ann Neurol · December 2019 OBJECTIVE: Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a devastating disease in which seizures persist in 35% of patients despite optimal use of antiseizure drugs. Clinical and preclinical evidence implicates seizures themselves as one factor promoting epilepsy progre ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

TrkB-Shc Signaling Protects against Hippocampal Injury Following Status Epilepticus.

Journal Article J Neurosci · June 5, 2019 Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a common and commonly devastating form of human epilepsy for which only symptomatic therapy is available. One cause of TLE is an episode of de novo prolonged seizures [status epilepticus (SE)]. Understanding the molecular si ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Small molecule inhibitors of TrkB Signaling

ResearchAssistant Research Professor · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2023 - 2025

Inhibitors of TrkB Signaling

ResearchAssistant Research Professor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2024

Inhibitors of TrkB Signaling

ResearchSenior Research Associate · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2016 - 2019

View All Grants