In the laboratory of molecular pharmacology, Dr. Chen’s research focuses on the neurobiology of adenosine and the A2A adenosine receptor and the role they may play in the development and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Dr. Chen has developed an A2A receptor knockout mouse model and couples this genetic approach with pharmacological manipulation to explore the pathophysiological role of A2A receptors in animal and cellular models of neuropsychiatric disorders. The knowledge derived from these studies may provide the neurobiological basis for rational development of A2A receptor agents as treatment strategies for neuropsychological disorders, ranging from Parkinson’s disease to drug addiction.