Faculty Profile
C. H. Eddie Ma (馬智謙)

Prof. C. H. Eddie Ma (馬智謙)

Professor

Director, Laboratory Animal Research Unit (LARU)

DPhil (Oxford)

Prof. Eddie Ma earned his BSc from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 1997 and his MPhil from The University of Hong Kong in 2000. He completed his DPhil at the University of Oxford in 2005. Afterward, he pursued postdoctoral training at Children’s Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School under Professor Clifford Woolf before joining City University of Hong Kong. Prof. Ma has received numerous awards, including the Silver Medal at the Hong Kong Information and Communications Technology (HKICT) Award in the Social Impact category (2025), a Gold Medal Award at the Invention Geneva Evaluation Days (2022), a Silver Medal Award at the Invention Geneva Evaluation Days (2021), the 35th World Culture Council Special Recognition Award (2021), the President’s Award at CityUHK (2016), the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowship at The University of Hong Kong (1997–1999), a Croucher Foundation Scholarship at the University of Oxford (2001–2004), and a fellowship at Harvard University (2005–2007).

Research Interest and Projects

Unlike the central nervous system, neurons in the peripheral nervous system have the ability to regenerate axons by enhancing their intrinsic growth capacity after injury. However, this regeneration occurs at a slow rate of approximately 1 mm per day in both rodents and humans, often resulting in incomplete functional recovery. Prof. Ma has made significant contributions to neuroscience and regenerative medicine, particularly in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying axon regeneration, as well as in the study of glaucoma, aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetic neuropathy. His lab employs a multidisciplinary approach that includes drug repurposing, bioinformatics, metabolomics analysis, deep brain stimulation, cell biology, molecular biology, and animal behavior, all aimed at finding treatment strategies that facilitate functional recovery (i.e., sensory, motor, visual, and memory).

News

November 2025

Prof. Ma has received the Silver Medal at the Hong Kong Information and Communications Technology (HKICT) Award in the Social Impact category.

Prof. Ma has received the Silver Medal at the Hong Kong Information and Communications Technology (HKICT) Award in the Social Impact category.
September 2025

Prof. Ma was invited to speak at BIOHK 2025 on the topic titled “Novel therapeutic strategies for glaucoma: A drug repurposing approach”.

Prof. Ma was invited to speak at BIOHK 2025 on the topic titled “Novel therapeutic strategies for glaucoma: A drug repurposing approach”.
March 2024

Prof. Ma’s recent publication in Neuron was featured in the CityU Research Story.

Featured in CityU Research Stories “CityU neuroscientists unveil the novel therapeutic potential of Metaxalone for treating nerve injuries.” (7 Mar 2024)

January 2024

Prof. Ma’s recent publication in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity was featured in the CityU Research Story.

Featured in CityU Research Stories “CityU neuroscientists uncover the therapeutic potential of low-dose ionizing radiation for traumatic brain injury and ischemic stroke.” (26 Jan 2024)

January 2023

Prof. Ma’s recent publication in PNAS was featured in the CityU News Centre, Press Releases, and Research Story of CityU.

Featured in CityU News Centre and Press Releases “Small molecule offers great therapeutic potential for restoring vision.” (16 Jan 2023)

Featured in CityU Research Stories “CityU neuroscientists identify a small molecule that restores visual function after optic nerve injury.” (19 Jan 2023)

March 2022

Congratulations to Dr Ma and Dr Kumar for being awarded the Gold Medal at the Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days (IGED) 2022, a virtual edition of the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.

Project entitled: "AI-based Pharmaco-electroencephalography (EEG) Platform for Drug Screening".

CityU Research Stories
Video link

5 May 2021

Dr Ma and his research team was featured in the Research Story of CityU.

CityU Research Stories

24 March 2021

Congratulations to Dr Ma and Dr Kumar for being awarded the Silver Medal at the Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days (IGED) 2021, a virtual edition of the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.

Project entitled: “Neural Motor prosthesis Prototype for the Restoration of Motor Function in Spinocerebellar Ataxia by closed-loop deep brain stimulation“.

Video link
CityU Press Release
CityU Today (今日城大)
Government News (政府新聞網)

Selected Publications

(* Corresponding Author)

  • Y.J. Xu, T. Wu, L.T.L. Lo, C.C. Ko, X. Wang, C.H. Ma*. (2026) Microglial Deletion of Hrh4 Alleviates Alzheimer's Disease Pathologies by Enhancing Microglial Phagocytosis of Amyloid-β and Tau. Advanced Science 13: e05421.
  • N.P. Au, Y. Gan, X. Chen, F. Gao, C.K.S. Leung, C.H. Ma*. (2025) Transcription factor activator protein 4 (AP4)-mediated intrinsic control of axon regeneration. Science Advances 11: eadu3917.
  • X. Chen, Y. Gan, N.P. Au, C.H. Ma*. (2024) Current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience 17: 1345811.
  • G. Kumar, Z. Zhou, Z. Wang, K.M. Kwan, C. Tin, C.H. Ma*. (2024) Real-time field-programmable gate array-based closed-loop deep brain stimulation platform targeting cerebellar circuitry rescues motor deficits in a mouse model of cerebellar ataxia. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics 30: e14638.
  • N.P. Au, T. Wu, G. Kumar, Y. Jin, Y.Y.T Li, S.L. Chan, J.H.C. Lai, K.W.Y. Chan, K.N. Yu, X. Wang, C.H. Ma*. (2024) Low-dose ionizing radiation promotes motor recovery and brain rewiring by resolving inflammatory response after brain injury and stroke. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity 115:43-63.
  • N.P. Au, T. Wu, X. Chen, Y.T. Li, W. Y. Tam, F. Gao, K.N. Yu, D.H. Geschwind, G. Coppola, X. Wang , C.H. Ma*. (2023) Genome-wide study reveals novel roles for formin-2 in axon regeneration as a microtubule dynamics regulator and therapeutic target for nerve repair. Neuron 111: 3970-87.

    Our study has been selected as Featured Article by Neuron and highlighted by Nature Reviews Neuroscience as a short news story.

  • G. Kumar, C.H. Ma*. (2023) Toward a cerebello-thalamo-cortical computational model of spinocerebellar ataxia. Neural Networks 162:541-556.
  • N.P. Au, Raza Chand, G. Kumar, P. Asthana, W. Y. Tam, K. M. Tang, C. C. Ko, C.H. Ma*. (2022) A small molecule M1 promotes optic nerve regeneration to restore target-specific neural activity and visual function Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Direct submission) 119: e2121273119.
    • Featured in PNAS Press Tip “A potential therapeutic strategy to restore visual function after optic nerve injury.” (15 Nov 2022)
    • Featured in ScienceDaily “Neuroscientists identify a small molecule that restores visual function after optic nerve injury.” (20 Jan 2023)
    • Featured in News Medical “Therapeutic small molecule can restore visual functions after optic nerve injury.” (20 Jan 2023)
    • Featured in Technology Networks “Molecule Stimulates Regeneration After Optic Nerve Injury.”
    • Featured in Neuroscience News “A Small Molecule That Restores Visual Function After Optic Nerve Injury Identified.” (20 Jan 2023)
    • Featured in Ophthalmology Breaking News “Neuroscientists Discover a Small Molecule That Restores Visual Function After Optic Nerve Injury.” (23 Jan 2023)
    • Featured in Oriental Daily News “城大揭小分子可修復視神經受損小鼠視覺為治療青光眼燃希望.” (17 Jan 2023)
    • Featured in Wen Wei Po “小分子注射入眼助小鼠重見光明.” (17 Jan 2023)
    • Featured in Ta Kung Pao “城大研小分子M1疗法助恢复视觉.” (17 Jan 2023)
  • P. Asthana, G. Kumar, L. M. Milanowski, N.P. Au, S. C. Chan, J. Huang, H. Feng, K. M. Kwan, J. He, K. W. Y. Chan, Z. K. Wszolek, C.H. Ma*. (2022) Cerebellar glutamatergic system impacts spontaneous motor recovery by regulating Gria1 expression. npj Regenerative Medicine 7:45.
  • N.P. Au, G. Kumar, P. Asthana, F. Gao, R. Kawaguchi, R.C.C. Chang, K.F. So, Y. Hau, D.H. Geschwind, G. Coppola, C.H. Ma*. (2022) Clinically relevant small-molecule promotes nerve repair and visual function recovery. npj Regenerative Medicine 7:50.
  • Y.J. Xu, N.P. Au, C.H. Ma*. (2022) Functional and Phenotypic Diversity of Microglia: Implication for Microglia-based Therapies for Alzheimer’s Disease. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 14:896852.
  • G. Kumar, P. Asthana, W.H. Yung, K.M. Kwan, C. Tin, C.H. Ma*. (2022) Deep brain stimulation of the interposed nucleus reverses motor deficits and stimulates production of anti-inflammatory cytokines in ataxia mice. Molecular Neurobiology 59:4578-4592.
  • N.P. Au, C.H. Ma*. (2022) Neuroinflammation, Microglia and Implications for Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival and Axon Regeneration in Traumatic Optic Neuropathy. Frontiers in Immunology 13:860070. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.860070.
  • P. Asthana, G. Zhang, K.A. Sheikh, C.H. Ma*. (2021) Heat shock protein is a key therapeutic target for nerve repair in autoimmune peripheral neuropathy and severe peripheral nerve injury. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity 91:48-64.
  • V. B. Chine, N.P. Au, C.H. Ma*. (2019) Therapeutic benefits of maintaining mitochondrial integrity and calcium homeostasis by forced expression of Hsp27 in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Neurobiology of Disease 130: 104492.
  • V. B. Chine, N.P. Au, G. Kumar, C.H. Ma*. (2019) Targeting axon integrity to prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Molecular Neurobiology 56: 3244-325.
  • H. Chen, K.S. Cho, T.H. Khanh Vu, C.H. Shen, M. Kaur, G. Chen, R. Mathew, M.L. McHam, A. Fazelat, K. Lashkari, N.P. Au, K.Y. Tse, Y. Li, H. Yu, L. Yang, J. Stein-Streilein, C.H. Ma, C.J. Woolf, M.T. Whary, M.J. Jager, J.G. Fox, J. Chen, D.F. Chen. (2018) Commensal Microflora-induced T Cell Responses Mediate Progressive Neurodegeneration in Glaucoma. Nature Communications 9:3209.
    • Featured in Science Daily entitled “Glaucoma may be an autoimmune disease” (10 Aug 2018).
    • Featured in GEN News Highlights entitled “Could Glaucoma Be an Autoimmune Disease?” (10 Aug 2018).
    • Featured in Reliawire entitled “The Body’s Own Immune System Destroys Retinal Cells” (13 Aug 2018).
  • P. Asthana, N. Zhang, G. Kumar, V. B. Chine, K. K. Singh, Y. L. Mak, L. L. Chan, P. K. S. Lam, C.H. Ma*. (2018) Pacific ciguatoxin induces excitotoxicity and neurodegeneration in the motor cortex via caspase 3 activation: Implication for irreversible motor deficit. Molecular Neurobiology 55: 6769-6787.
  • E. J. Cobos, C. Nickerson, F. Gao, V. Chandran, I. Bravo-Caparrós, R. González-Cano, P. Riva, N. Andrews, A. Latremoliere, C. Seehus, G. Perazzoli, F. R. Nieto, N. Joller, M. Painter, C. H. Ma, T. Omura, E. J. Chesler, D. H. Geschwind, G. Coppola, M. Rangachari, C. J. Woolf, M. Costigan. (2018) Mechanistic differences in neuropathic pain modalities revealed by correlating behavior with global expression profiling. Cell Reports 22:1301-1312.
  • N.P. Au and C.H. Ma*. (2017) Recent advances in the study of bipolar/rod-shaped microglia and their roles in neurodegeneration. Frontier in Aging Neuroscience 9: 128.
  • G. Kumar#, N.P. Au#, E. N. Y. Lei, L. Mak, L. L. H. Chan, M. H. W. Lam, L. L. Chan, P. K. S. Lam, C.H. Ma*. (2017) Acute exposure to Pacific ciguatoxin reduces electroencephalogram activity and disrupts neurotransmitter metabolic pathways in motor cortex. Molecular Neurobiology 54: 5590-5603.
    (#G.K. and N.P.A. contributed equally).
  • W.Y. Tam#, N.P. Au#, C. H. Ma*. (2016) The association between laminin and microglial morphology in vitro. Scientific Reports 6: 28580.
    (#W.Y.T. and N.P.A. contributed equally).
  • N.P. Au, G. Kumar, P. Asthana, C. Tin, Y. L. Mak, L. L. Chan, P. K. S. Lam, C. H. Ma*. (2016) Ciguatoxin reduces regenerative capacity of axotomized peripheral neurons and delays functional recovery in pre-exposed mice after peripheral nerve injury. Scientific Reports 6: 26809.
  • P. Asthana, J.S.L. Vong, G. Kumar, R.C.C. Chang, G. Zhang, K.A. Sheikh, C.H. Ma* . (2015) Dissecting the role of anti-gangliosides antibodies in Guillain-Barré syndrome: an animal model approach. Molecular Neurobiology 53:4981-91.
    (Featured as Front Cover Story).
  • W.Y. Tam and C. H. Ma*. (2014) Bipolar/rod-shaped microglia are proliferating microglia with distinct M1/M2 phenotypes. Scientific Reports 4: 7279.
  • N.P. Bennett Au, Y. Fang, N. Xi, K.W. Lai*, C.H. Ma*. (2014) Probing for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in live dorsal root ganglion neuron with atomic force microscopy. Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology, and Medicine 10: 1323-33.
  • J. Wang, B.T. Lang, A. Nord, S.A. Busch, N.P. Bennett Au, C.H. Ma, Y. Shen. (2014) Pleiotropic Molecules in Axon Regeneration and Neuroinflammation. Experimental Neurology 258: 17-23.
  • Y.M. Ho#, N.P. Bennett Au#, K.L. Wong, C.T.L. Chan, W.M. Kwok, G.L. Law, K.K. Tang, W.Y. Wong, C.H. Ma*, M.H.W. Lam*. (2014) A Lysosome-Specific Two-Photon Phosphorescent Binuclear Cyclometalated Platinum(II) Probe for In Vivo Imaging of Live Neuron. Chemical Communications 50: 4161-4163. (Featured as Front Cover Story).
    (#Y.M.H. and N.P.B.A. contributed equally)
  • L. Korngut, C.H. Ma, J.A. Martinez, C.C. Toth, G.F. Guo1, V. Singh, C.J. Woolf, D.W. Zochodne. (2012) Overexpression of human heat shock protein 27 protein protects sensory neurons from peripheral diabetic neuropathy in mice. Neurobiology of Disease 47: 436-43.
  • C.H. Ma, G.J. Brenner, T. Omura, O.A. Samad, M. Costigan, P. Inquimbert, V. Niederkofler, R. Salie, H.Y. Lin, S. Arber, G. Coppola, C.J. Woolf, and T.A. Samad. (2011) The BMP co-receptor RGMb promotes while the endogenous BMP antagonist Noggin reduces neurite outgrowth and peripheral nerve regeneration by modulating BMP signaling. Journal of Neuroscience 31: 18391-18400.
  • C.H. Ma*, T. Omura, E.J. Cobos, A. Latrémolière, N. Ghasemlou, G.J. Brenner, Ed van Veen, L.B. Barrett, T. Sawada, F. Gao, G. Coppola, F. Gertler, M. Costigan, D. Geschwind, C.J. Woolf*. (2011) Accelerating axonal growth produces motor recovery after peripheral nerve injury in mice. Journal of Clinical Investigation 121: 4332-4347.
  • C.H. Ma*, E.T.W. Bampton, M.J. Evans, J.S.H. Taylor. (2010) Synergistic effects of osteonectin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor on axotomized retinal ganglion cells neurite outgrowth via the mitogen-activated protein kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 pathways. Neuroscience 165: 463-474.
  • C.H. Ma* and J.S.H. Taylor. (2010) Trophic responsiveness of purified postnatal and adult rat retinal ganglion cells. Cell and Tissue Research 339: 297-310.
  • C.H. Ma*, A. Palmer and J.S.H. Taylor. (2009) Synergistic effects of osteonectin and NGF in promoting survival and neurite outgrowth of superior cervical ganglion neurons. Brain Research 1289: 1-13.
  • R.S. Griffin, M. Costigan, G.J. Brenner, C.H. Ma, J. Scholz, A. Moss, A.J. Allchorne, G.L. Stahl and C.J. Woolf. (2007) Complement induction in spinal cord microglia results in anaphylatoxin C5a mediated pain hypersensitivity. Journal of Neuroscience 27: 8699-8708.
  • E.T.W. Bampton, C.H. Ma, A.M. Tolkovsky and J.S.H. Taylor. (2005) Osteonectin is a Schwann cell-secreted factor that promotes retinal ganglion cell survival and process outgrowth. European Journal of Neuroscience 21: 2611-2623.
  • R.C.C. Chang, K.C. Suen, C.H. Ma, W. Elyaman, H.K. Ng, J. Hugon. (2002) Involvement of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase and phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2alpha in neuronal degeneration. Journal of Neurochemistry 83: 1215-1225.

12 January 2026

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