Cherry Leung, PhD, RN

Dr. Cherry Leung is an Associate Profressor at the Department of Community Health Systems, UCSF, with a program of research focused on identifying modifiable biological risk factors for adolescent depression, with particular emphasis on the gut microbiome and inflammation. Her current work aims to advance the development of novel, biology-informed interventions that improve mental health outcomes in youth. Dr. Leung is the Principal Investigator of an NIH-funded clinical trial examining the effects of Visbiome®, a high-potency multi-strain probiotic, on neural and microbial mechanisms of depression in adolescents. This multi-phase randomized controlled trial investigates two key biological signatures: (1) resting-state functional connectivity between the left hippocampus and precuneus—brain regions implicated in mood regulation—and (2) gut microbial diversity. More broadly, Dr. Leung’s research integrates neuroscience, immunology, microbiology, and developmental psychopathology to examine how interactions between the brain, immune system, and gut microbiome contribute to depressive symptoms during adolescence. Her work has implications for prevention and early intervention and is conducted in close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams in psychiatry, microbiome science, and adolescent medicine.