Yong Zhou, School of Medicine
Our lab focuses on the mechanobiology of lung injury, repair, and regeneration, investigating how biomechanical signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM) influence the progression and resolution of lung fibrosis. We have previously identified key roles of altered matrix mechanics in modulating gene expression and promoting the pro-fibrotic traits of lung fibroblasts and alveolar epithelial cells. Our translational studies indicate that targeting these abnormal biomechanical pathways could offer a viable treatment for lung fibrosis. Additionally, we are committed to developing innovative technologies, including CRISPR for genomic and epigenomic editing, tunable-stiffness 3D hydrogels for organoid cultures, and transgenic mouse models, to propel our research forward. Our ongoing projects are focused on understanding how the mechanical microenvironment affects lung stem cells and impacts traits of alveolar epithelial progenitors and mesenchymal niche cells. Our primary goal is to develop novel and effective therapies to prevent, manage, and potentially reverse pulmonary fibrosis.
Selected Publications:
1. Guo T, Jiang CS, Yang SZ, Zhu Y, He C, Carter AB, Antony VB, Peng H, Zhou Y. (2023). Mitochondrial fission and bioenergetics mediate human lung fibroblast durotaxis. JCI Insight, 8(1):e157348. PubMed PMID: 36422990
2. Qu J, Yang S-Z, Zhu Y, Guo T, Thannickal VJ, Zhou Y. (2021). Targeting Mechanosensitive MDM4 Promotes Lung Fibrosis Resolution in Aged Mice. J Exp Med, 218(5):e20202033. PMCID: PMC7953267.
3. Qu J, Zhu L, Zhou Z, Chen P, Liu S, Locy ML, Thannickal VJ, Zhou Y. (2018). Reversing Mechanoinductive Desmoplakin Expression by CRISPR/dCas9-Mediated Epigenome Editing. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 198;5:599-609. PMCID: PMC6118013.
4. Chen H, Qu J, Huang X, Kurundkar A, Zhu L, Yang N, Venado A, Ding Q, Liu G, Antony VB, Thannickal VJ, Zhou Y. (2016). Mechanosensing by the α6-integrin confers an invasive fibroblast phenotype and mediates lung fibrosis. Nat Commun, 18;7:12564. PMCID: PMC4992155
| Faculty Supervisor | Yong Zhou |
| Project Start Date | 08/01/2024 |
| Number of Spots Available | 1 |
| Project Type | Basic Science |
| Location | On-Site |
| Type of Research | Animal-based, Lab-based, Literature Review, Data Analysis/Write-Up |
| Project Duration | Medium-term (1-3 years) |
| Supervisor | Faculty |
| Project Expertise |
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