Welcome to the Shen Lab
for Developmental & Clinical Neuroscience
at the University of North Carolina
Who are we?
The Shen Lab studies the brain development of infants with neurodevelopmental disabilities – including autism, Down syndrome, Dup15q, Angelman, and fragile X syndrome – to identify early markers and therapeutic targets.
We also study adults with neurological disorders, including adults with migraine – to understand how migraine affects the brain and to develop better treatments for migraine in the future.
Mark Shen, Ph.D., is a tenured Associate Professor at UNC School of Medicine in Psychiatry, Neuroscience, and the Carolina Institute for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (CIND). Dr. Shen is also the Founding Co-Director of the CIND Clinical Trials Program.
Areas of Research
MRI studies from infancy through adulthood
We use longitudinal neuroimaging, clinical assessment, and genetics to identify early markers and therapeutic targets in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, Dup15q, Angelman, and fragile X syndrome. We also do the same in adults with neurological conditions such as migraine.
Uncover pathogenic mechanisms
We reverse-translate these neuroimaging findings in children to mechanistic studies in animal and cellular models of these conditions.
Clinical trials of novel therapeutics
We forward-translate our research to clinical trials, partnering with physicians to deliver novel gene-based therapies to children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
We are enrolling participants!
*For parents of an infant with Fragile X syndrome: Click here
*For parents of an infant with Angelman syndrome: Click here
*For parents of an infant with an older sibling with autism: Click here
*For parents of an infant with Down syndrome: Click here
*For parents of an infant with Rett syndrome: Click here
*For parents of an infant with Dup15q syndrome: Click here
*For adults with and without migraine: Click here
Interested in learning more about the lab and how you can get involved?
Visit Us
Carolina Institute for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (CIND)
UNC School of Medicine at Chapel Hill
Our lab is located in the UNC-CIND Research Building
100 Renee Lynne Court, 2nd Floor, Carrboro, NC 27510
Phone: (919) 966-8032
Clinical research visits are held in the CIND Clinic Building
(across the parking lot from the lab)
101 Renee Lynne Court, Carrboro, NC 27510
Phone: (919) 966-5171