Chung Laboratory · Houston Methodist
Discovering how genes shape neurological disease.
The Chung Lab investigates how mitochondrial dynamics and glial lipid metabolism shape nervous system function and contribute to neurological disease.
Hyung-Lok Chung, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track) · Principal Investigator, Chung Lab
Director, Drosophila Functional Genomics Core
Chung Lab
Mechanisms of neurological disease
Independent research into how genes and cellular pathways influence nervous system health.
Glia & lipid metabolism
How lipid metabolism and signaling connect glial function with neuronal health and neuroinflammation.
Explore glia and lipid research →
Mitochondrial dynamics
How Cdk8/CDK19 regulates mitochondrial fission and contributes to neurological disease.
Drosophila Core
Functional genomics & collaboration
Scientific expertise and customized experiments for your research questions.
- Rare disease genetics
- Functional studies of human variants
- Customized fly models & experiments
- Consultation & project quotes
Directed by Hyung-Lok Chung, Ph.D.
Recent publications
New insights from our collaborative work
Genetics in Medicine · 2026
CDK19 variants and neurodevelopmental disorders
Integrating clinical genetics with in vivo evidence to interpret rare variants.
Genetics in Medicine Open · 2026
DDX23 gain of function
Linking functional changes in DDX23 to a neurodevelopmental phenotype.
HGG Advances · 2026
MARK2 and nervous system development
Identifying loss-of-function variants associated with neurodevelopmental disorder.
People & mentorship
Mentorship beyond the lab
We support trainees as they grow through research and mentorship, and celebrate the next steps our alumni take in medicine and higher education.
Andrew Kim
Former Research Technician I
Medical Student
Baylor College of Medicine
Sarita Palacio
Former Rice Research Intern
Medical Student
UTMB
Weihan (Lily) Chen
Former SURI Research Intern
Undergraduate Student
Harvard University
Discovery is a team effort.
We welcome researchers and trainees who are curious about genetics, cell biology, and neuroscience. Learn about our community and contact us to discuss research opportunities.