Wei-Chen Chiu investigates lipid droplet formation and lamellar body-like structures in human iPSC-derived neurons, with a focus on how altered neuronal lipid metabolism may contribute to lipid storage and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.
Wei-Chen Chiu is a Master of Biotechnology student at The University of Queensland, currently undertaking a research project investigating neuronal lipid metabolism. Her research focuses on lipid droplets and lamellar body-like structures in human iPSC-derived neurons, particularly under conditions that perturb fatty acid metabolism. Using fluorescence imaging, immunofluorescence staining, high-content image analysis, and electron microscopy, her project aims to examine how lipid droplets are induced, whether they are associated with lysosomal or autophagic markers, and how their ultrastructure may relate to lamellar body formation. This work contributes to a broader understanding of lipid storage, lipid homeostasis, and potential mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative disease.