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Associate Professor Kai-Hsiang Chuang

Principal Research Fellow

School of Biomedical Sciences
Faculty of Medicine
k.chuang@uq.edu.au
+61 7 344 33811

Overview

Dr Kai-Hsiang Chuang received his Ph.D. degree in electrical and biomedical engineering from the National Taiwan University, Taiwan, in 2001. During his graduate study, he developed methods for improving the detection of brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). He undertook postdoctoral research at the National Institutes of Health, USA, from 2003 to 2007, where he focused on understanding brain connectivity using novel functional and molecular imaging. He developed manganese-enhanced MRI for high-resolution imaging functional neural pathways in the rodent brain and cerebral blood flow imaging for mapping the resting-state network of the human brain. He joined the Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, in 2008 as the head of MRI Group in the Singapore Bioimaging Consortium (a national research institute). He established the first preclinical imaging facility in Singapore and facilitated research collaboration across academia, clinic and industry. His lab pioneered functional connectivity imaging of the rodent brain to understand the neural basis and function of resting-state brain network, and the development and application of MRI biomarkers for treatment development. In late 2015, he moved to the University of Queensland, Australia, as an Associate Professor with the Queensland Brain Institute and the Centre for Advanced Imaging. His current research focuses on understanding the structure and function of brain network that underlies cognition and behavior, such as learning, memory and dementia. He is developing multimodal techniques, including fMRI, calcium recording, electrophysiology and optogenetic/chemogenetic neuromodulation, to test hypothesis in transgenic mouse models and then translating to humans to improve the diagnosis and intervention of disorders. The imaging and analysis techniques he developed have been widely used in the research community and some in clinical trials. He is serving on the editorial boards of Frontiers in Neuroscience: Brain Imaging Methods, NeuroImage and Scientific Reports.

Research Interests

  • Brain waste clearance
    The brain is a highly metabolic active organ. Maintaining optimal brain function relies on efficient disposal of metabolic wastes. We are studying a brain fluid drainage system that clear waste and toxic molecules, such as amyloid plaques, from the brain. We're developing imaging techniques to track its function and to understand its regulatory mechanism, treatment target and pathogenic role in dementia.
  • Functional brain mapping
    Develop in vivo imaging techniques, including functional MRI and multimodality integration (optogenetics, calcium imaging, electrophysiology), in humans and animal models to improve the understanding and intervention of brain function, disease process and treatment effects.
  • Brain network in learning, memory and dementia
    Brain network wiring and activity underpin our cognition and behaviour. However the brain-behaviour relationship of cognitive functions, such as memory, is unclear. We are developing techniques to understand the causal relationship between brain network activity and memory formation, and how to modulate behaviour by manipulating brain network activity.

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, National Taiwan University

Publications

View all Publications

Grants

View all Grants

Supervision

  • Understanding neural Basis of Resting-State Network Using Simultaneous Calcium Recording and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

    Doctor Philosophy

  • Determining large-scale brain networks involved in memory consolidation

    (2022) Doctor Philosophy

  • Improving Artificial Intelligence And Deep Learning Algorithms In Super-Resolution Imaging

    Doctor Philosophy

View all Supervision

Available Projects

  • Develop novel imaging technique for brain waste clearance

    The glymphatic system is a newly discovered waste clearance pathway that removes toxic proteins, such as amyloid plaques, from the brain. Its dysfunction is suggested to lead to Alzheimer's disease. However, there is still no non-invasive imaging technique for measuring its function. This project aims to develop novel non-invasive MRI techniques for tracking the structure and function of the glymphatic system. These techniques will be used to understand how glymphatic function maintain brain health and network function, and for the diagnosis of its impairment in aging and disorders.

  • Understanding mechanisms of glymphatic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease.

    Glymphatic and brain network deficits have been associated with neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the mechanism is still unclear. This project aims to test a new hypothesis that leads to accelerated amyloid and tau pathology in brain networks, such as the default mode network. The study will combine structural and functional MRI and genetic tools to test the hypothesis in animal model of AD.

  • Develop techniques for improving cognition via modulating brain network

    The brain is a complex neural network that supports our cognition, such as learning and memory. We have recently identified brain network hubs that causally involved in memory formation. This project will develop new techniques to detect and selectively modulate the functional connectivity of the causal hubs in order to improve memory.

View all Available Projects

Publications

Book Chapter

Journal Article

Conference Publication

Other Outputs

  • Queensland Twin Adolescent Brain (QTAB) non-imaging phenotypes

    Strike, Lachlan, Hansell, Narelle, Chuang, Kai-Hsiang, Miller, Jessica, de Zubicaray, Greig, Thompson, Paul M, McMahon, Katie L and Wright, Margie (2022). Queensland Twin Adolescent Brain (QTAB) non-imaging phenotypes. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/e891597

PhD and MPhil Supervision

Current Supervision

  • Understanding neural Basis of Resting-State Network Using Simultaneous Calcium Recording and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

    Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Improving Artificial Intelligence And Deep Learning Algorithms In Super-Resolution Imaging

    Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • MRI biomarker of glymphatic dysfunction in dementia

    Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor

    Other advisors:

Completed Supervision

Possible Research Projects

Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.

  • Develop novel imaging technique for brain waste clearance

    The glymphatic system is a newly discovered waste clearance pathway that removes toxic proteins, such as amyloid plaques, from the brain. Its dysfunction is suggested to lead to Alzheimer's disease. However, there is still no non-invasive imaging technique for measuring its function. This project aims to develop novel non-invasive MRI techniques for tracking the structure and function of the glymphatic system. These techniques will be used to understand how glymphatic function maintain brain health and network function, and for the diagnosis of its impairment in aging and disorders.

  • Understanding mechanisms of glymphatic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease.

    Glymphatic and brain network deficits have been associated with neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the mechanism is still unclear. This project aims to test a new hypothesis that leads to accelerated amyloid and tau pathology in brain networks, such as the default mode network. The study will combine structural and functional MRI and genetic tools to test the hypothesis in animal model of AD.

  • Develop techniques for improving cognition via modulating brain network

    The brain is a complex neural network that supports our cognition, such as learning and memory. We have recently identified brain network hubs that causally involved in memory formation. This project will develop new techniques to detect and selectively modulate the functional connectivity of the causal hubs in order to improve memory.

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Links

ResearcherID: C-4224-2017

ORCID: 0000-0002-8356-0657

Scopus ID: 7101644380

Google Scholar ID: 6xYMjvMAAAAJ

Personal Profile: Link

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