Research Interests

In my laboratory, we study how gonadal steroid hormones interact with fibroblast growth factors to regulate the morphogenesis of the neuroendocrine brain, which ultimately impacts on the functionality of these brain regions. Indeed, abnormal organization of the neuroendocrine brain due defects in gonadal steroid hormone and/or fibroblast growth factor signaling during embryonic development can result in dramatic pathophysiological consequences in physiology and autonomic functions such as, reproduction or stress. 

For example, abnormal organization of the developing neuroendocrine brain can result in Kallmann syndrome (KS), a congenital disease characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism associated with hyposmia/anosmia. This disease results in the lack of pubertal onset, and consequently infertility.

To study the molecular and cellular processes during neuroendocrine development we use cell lines, explant cultures and transgenic animals.

Research Opportunities

Graduate Students

PhD students can enter the lab through either the Department of Biological Sciences or the School of Biomedical Sciences.

Undergraduate Students

Kent State undergraduates who are interested in doing research should send an e-mail to Prof. Chung with the following information:

• Curriculum vitae,

• Transcript and/or description of courses taken (GPA),

• Description of goals after Bachelors degree,

• Description of previous research experience, if any

A central mission of the lab is to get undergraduates involved in research. Successful applicants should expect to work in the lab for approximately 1-2 years. Goals include but are not limited to learning research techniques, presentation of research and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Selected Publications

• Tsai TS, Brooks LR, Rochester JR, Kavanaugh SI, Chung WCJ (2011) Fibroblast growth factor signaling in the developing neuroendocrine hypothalamus. Frontiers of Neuroendocrinology.32: 95-107

• Chung WCJ, Matthews TA, Tata BK, Tsai PS (2010) Compound deficiencies in multiple FGF signaling components differentially impact the murine GnRH system. J Neuroendocrinology. 22: 944-950.

• Chung WCJ, Moyle SS, Tsai PS (2008) Fibroblast growth factor 8 signaling through FGF receptor 1 is required for gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuronal development in mice. Endocrinology. 149: 4997-5003.

• Falardeau J, Chung WCJ, Beekeen A, Plummer L, Sidis Y, Raivio T, Dwyer A, Na S, Hall J, Huot C, Alois N, Quinton R, Cole LW, Hughes V, Mohammadi M, Tsai PS, Pitteloud N (2008). Decreased FGF8 signaling causes GnRH deficiency in human and mice. J Clin Invest. 118: 2822-2831.

• Chung WCJ, Pak TR, Suzuki S, Pouliot WA, Andersen ME, Handa RJ (2007). Detection and localization of an estrogen receptor beta splice variant protein (ERbeta2) in the adult female rat forebrain and midbrain regions. J Comp Neurol. 20: 249-67.

• Pak TR, Chung WCJ, Hinds LR, Handa RJ (2007) Estrogen receptor-beta mediates DHT-induced stimulation of the arginine vasopressin promoter in neuronal cells. Endocrinology. 148:3371-3382.

• Pak TR, Chung WCJ, Roberts JL, Handa RJ (2006) Ligand-independent effects of estrogen receptor beta on mouse gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) promoter activity. Endocrinology 147: 1924-1931.

• Chung WCJ, De Vries GJ, Swaab DF (2002) Sexual differentiation in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis of the human extends into adulthood. J Neurosci 22: 1027-1033.

• Chung WCJ, Swaab DF, De Vries GJ (2000) Apoptosis during postnatal sexual differentiation of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in the rat brain. J Neurobiology 43: 234-243.