Ming-Huan Chan, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience, National Chengchi University, with extensive experience in neuropharmacology, neurotoxicology, and drug discovery for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Dr. Chan’s research focuses on the identification of bioactive compounds from traditional medicines and the development of novel synthetic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, pain, and drug abuse–induced neurotoxicity.

Dr. Chan employs a multidisciplinary approach integrating animal behavioral models, biochemical, cellular, molecular, histochemical, neurochemical, and electrophysiological techniques to investigate mechanisms of neuronal injury and neuroprotection. Through close collaboration with medicinal chemists, Dr. Chan has contributed to the rational design and evaluation of compounds targeting specific molecular pathways, including NMDA receptor modulation.

Dr. Chan’s work aims to bridge basic neuroscience and translational drug development, providing mechanistic insight and preclinical validation to support the advancement of innovative therapeutic strategies for CNS disorders.

The overarching goal of the Neuropharmacology Laboratory is to discover, characterize, and develop novel therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, with particular emphasis on pain, psychiatric illnesses, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s disease), and drug abuse–induced neurotoxicity. By integrating traditional medicine–derived bioactive compounds with modern neuropharmacological and molecular approaches, we aim to identify clinically translatable drug candidates that protect neuronal integrity, restore neural function, and improve behavioral outcomes.

Given the complexity of drug discovery for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, our laboratory adopts a multidisciplinary strategy that combines natural product research, synthetic chemistry, behavioral neuroscience, and molecular pharmacology. Through close collaboration with medicinal chemists, we seek to optimize lead compounds, define molecular targets, and establish mechanistic insights that support future clinical development.

Research Approach

1. Discovery and Development of Neuroprotective Therapeutics

Our laboratory focuses on isolating and identifying bioactive constituents from traditional medicinal herbs, as well as designing and synthesizing novel compounds targeting CNS disorders. We employ an integrated experimental pipeline that includes:

• Biochemical, cellular, and molecular assays to evaluate neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and synaptic regulatory effects
• Histochemical and neurochemical analyses to assess neuronal survival, neurotransmitter systems, and signaling pathways
• Electrophysiological studies to investigate synaptic and receptor-level mechanisms, including modulation of NMDA receptors

These approaches enable us to systematically assess pharmacological efficacy and mechanism of action in relevant disease models.

2. Animal Models and Behavioral Assessment

To establish translational relevance, we utilize well-validated animal models of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Behavioral assessments are conducted to evaluate motor, cognitive, emotional, and social functions, including:

• Beam walking, rotarod, and drug-induced rotation tests for motor coordination and balance
• Social interaction paradigms
• Learning and memory tasks assessing cognition and executive function

These behavioral outcomes are correlated with molecular and cellular findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of drug efficacy in preventing or reversing neuronal damage and functional impairments.

3. Target Validation and Lead Optimization

We compare the efficacy and potency of herbal extracts, isolated constituents, and synthetic compounds by evaluating their effects on specific genetic, molecular, and pharmacological targets involved in neurodegeneration and neuronal injury. These studies provide critical data for:

• Identifying promising lead compounds
• Guiding structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis
• Informing rational chemical modification to optimize therapeutic potential

The results lay a strong foundation for future preclinical development and eventual clinical trials.

4. Neurotoxicity and Drug Abuse Research

In parallel, our laboratory investigates the neurobehavioral and neurotoxic effects of drugs of abuse, including methamphetamine, ketamine, and toluene. These projects aim to:

• Characterize drug-induced neuronal damage and behavioral dysfunction
• Define the relationship between chemical lesions and neuropsychological impairments
• Identify molecular mechanisms underlying neurotoxicity

A key focus of this work is the induction of neurotrophic factor expression as a potential therapeutic strategy to mitigate neurotoxicity and promote neural recovery following drug abuse.

Impact

Through these integrated research efforts, the Neuropharmacology Laboratory seeks to advance mechanistic understanding of CNS disorders and accelerate the development of safe, effective, and clinically feasible therapeutic strategies that ultimately benefit patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases and substance abuse–related neurological impairments.