Qiang Chang
PhD, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Faculty Co-Director, Rodent Models Core
Assistant Professor of Genetics & Neurology

Contact Information:
Waisman Center
UW-Madison
1500 Highland Avenue
Room 657
Madison, WI 53705
Phone: (608) 262-9416
E-mail: qchang@waisman.wisc.edu

Research Statement

Research in my laboratory is aimed at understanding the molecular mechanism of Rett syndrome, an autism spectrum developmental disorder, and DNA methylation dependent epigenetic regulation of mammalian brain development and function.

Rett syndrome is caused by mutations in the X-linked MECP2 (methyl CpG binding protein 2). The devastating disease has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 10,000-15,000 girls, and is the second most common cause of mental retardation in females. MeCP2 plays a central role in interpreting the epigenetic code of DNA methylation and regulating chromatin remodeling and gene transcription in the mouse brain.

We employ mouse genetics, electrophysiological, and molecular approaches to:

1. Identify MeCP2 target genes.
2. Elucidate the mechanisms by which MeCP2 dynamically regulate the expression of these genes.
3. Characterize the in vivo roles of these genes in the context of RTT and normal brain development.

Representative Publications

Li, H., Zhong, X., Chau, K.F., Williams, E.S., and Chang, Q. (2011) Loss of Activity-Induced Phosphorylation of MeCP2 Enhances Synaptogenesis, LTP, and Spatial Memory. Nature Neuroscience 14(8):1001-8.

Ananiev, G., Williams, E.C., Li, H., and Chang, Q. (2011) Isogenic Pairs of Wild Type and Mutant Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) Lines from Rett Syndrome Patients as In Vitro Disease Model. PloS ONE 6(9):e25255. 2011;6(9):e25255. PMID: 21966470

Chang, Q., Khare, G.D., Dani, V.S., Nelson, S.B., and Jaenisch, R. (2006) The disease progression of Mecp2 mutant mice is affected by the level of BDNF expression. Neuron 49(3):341-348.

Dani, V.S.*, Chang, Q.*, Maffei, A., Turrigiano, G.G., Jaenisch, R., and Nelson, S.B. (2005) Reduced cortical activity due to a shift in the balance between excitation and inhibition in a mouse model of Rett Syndrome. Proc Natl Acad Sci 102(35):12560-12565.

Chen, W.G., Chang, Q., Lin, Y., Meissner, A., West, A.E., Griffith, E.C., Jaenisch, R., and Greenberg, M.E. (2003) Derepression of BDNF transcription involves calcium-dependent phosphorylation of MeCP2. Science 302:885-889.

Chang, Q., Pereda, A., Pinter, M.J., and Balice-Gordon, R.J. (2000) Nerve injury induces gap junctional coupling among axotomized adult motor neurons. Journal of Neuroscience 20(2): 674-684.

Click here to search National Library of Medicine and PubMed for other publications by Dr. Chang.