Research Interests:

The long-term goals of our research program are to determine the biological roles of microRNAs and stem cells in cardiovascular biology and cardiovascular diseases. Currently, we have the following ongoing projects: 1) The roles of microRNAs in restenosis, atherosclerosis and vascular stent; 2) The roles of microRNAs in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. 3) The roles of microRNAs in myocardial infarction; 4) The roles of microRNAs in diabetic cardiovascular complications; 4) stem cells and cardiovascular regeneration; 5) MicroRNAs in aging; 6) microRNAs in drug addiction.  

1) Vascular injury, angiogenesis and vascular stent rat, mouse and rabbit models. 2) Mouse and rabbit atherosclerosis models. 3) Myocardial Infarction, cardiac hypertrophy, diabetes and regeneration models. 4) Clinical angioplasty & stent. 5) Cardiovascular histology, immunohistochemistry and immunofluerscence. 6) Adenovirus-based and AAV-based gene transfer, pluronic gel mediated local gene, lipid and protein delivery into hearts and vascular walls. 7) Cell models for phenotype, proliferation, migration, apoptosis. 8) Antisense and RNAi techniques. 9) Bioinformatics and signaling transduction pathways related to proliferation, apoptosis and phenotypic modulation. 10) cardiac and Vascular function measurement. 11) Microarray and deep sequences. 12) microRNA techniques. 13) Stem cells and cell therapy.

 

 Ongoing Research Support

 

 1. NIH R01HL095707                                                Zhang (PI)              07/01/10-06/30/14

 The Role of miR-145 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Biology

 The goal of this study is to determine the role of miR-145 Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Biology.

 

2. NIH R21HL109656                                              Zhang (PI)              0/01/12-06/30/14

Circulating cell-free microRNAs in atherogenesis

The goal of this study is to determine the role of circulating microRNAs in atherogenesis

 

3. NIH R21NR013876                                            Zhang (PI)              07/01/12-06/30/14

MicroRNA mechanism and therapeutics of impaired wound healing.

The goal of this study is to determine the roles of microRNAs and stem cells in the impaired wound healing.

 

4. AHA grant-in-Aid   09GRNT2250567                   Zhang (PI)              07/01/09-06/30/13

MicroRNAs in the next generation of drug-eluting stents

The goal of this study is to determine the role of miRNA drug-eluting stents

Role: PI

 

 

1. R01 HL080133                                             Zhang (PI)               04/01/06-03/30/12

MPO and NO signaling in neointima formation

The goal of this study is to determine the role of leukocyte-derived myeloperoxidase in vascular smooth muscle cell biology and vascular neointima growth.

Role: PI

 

2. ADA Junior Faculty Award (1-05-JF-60)            Zhang (PI)                09/01/05-08/31/09

Leukocyte-derived myeloperoxidase in diabetic vascular complications

The goal of this study was to determine the role of MPO in vascular smooth muscle cell biology and diabetic atherosclerosis

Role: PI

 

3. R01 HL079004                                                     Tigyi (PI)                           04/01/05-03/30/09

Analysis of LPA Signaling through the GPCR-PPRg Axis

The goal of this project was to determine the role of LPA in vascular smooth muscle cell biology and atherosclerosis

Role: Co-Investigator

 

4. AHA Scientist Development Grant (0530106N)   Zhang (PI)            07/01/05-06/30/09

The goal of this project was to determine the role of LPA in vascular smooth muscle cell biology

Role: PI

 

5. R01HL063886                                            Hassid (PI)               04/01/04-03/30/08

NO-induced vascular smooth muscle cell motility

The goal of this study was to determine the role of NO in vascular smooth muscle cell migration and vascular neointima growth.

Role: Co-Investigator

 

6. R01 HL072902                                           Hassid (PI)               04/01/05-03/30/09

Nitric oxide-PTP interactions in aortic smooth muscle

The goal of this study was to determine the role of PTP-1B in vascular smooth muscle cell migration, proliferation, and vascular neointima growth.

Role: Co-Investigator

 

7. R01 HL069908                                              Rao (PI)               10/01/05-09/30/09

NFATs and vascular injury

The goal of this study was to determine the role of NFATs in vascular smooth muscle cell biology and vascular injury response.

Role: Co-Investigator

 

8. R01 HL079109                                               Rao (PI)               04/01/05-03/30/09

Eicosanoids-Induced Vascualr Growth During Injury

The goal of this study was to determine the role of Eicosanoids in vascular smooth muscle cell biology and vascular neointima growth.

Role: Co-Investigator

 

9. R01HL64165                                                  Malik (PI)               04/01/03-03/30/08

PLA2 and Vascular Wall Remodeling 

The goal of this study was to determine the role of PLA2 and vascular wall remodeling and atherosclerosis

Role: Co-Investigator

 

 Professional Societies:

 

1. Fellow, the American College of Cardiology (FACC)

2. American Heart Association.

3. Society for Free Radical Biology and Medicine

4. American Physiological Society

5. American Diabetes Association

6. American Stroke Association

7. American Society of Anesthesiology.

8. International Society for Translational Medicine (Chair, The Events/Conference Committee).

 

 

NIH study section ad hoc member (VCMB, AICS, Transformative Roadmap review)

Department of Veterans Affairs (Regeneration medicine study section)

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Association

American Heart Association 

American Diabetic Association;

Swiss National Science Foundation

United States Army Medical Research grant

The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS)

The Wellcome Trust, UK

 Ministry of Health of Italy

Health Research Board of Ireland

 

 

Journal of Translational Medicine (Associate Editor);

J Cell Mol Med.;

Clinical Science;

Journal of CardiovascularTranslational Research;

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine

The Cardiology;

Research Journal of Medical Sciences;

Research Journal of Pharmacology;

Journal of Cardiology;

World Journal of Biological Chemistry,

World Journal of Biological Hypertension

The Open Endocrinology Journal;

South china Journal of Cardiology (English Version).

 

 

1.    Liu X, Cheng Y, Yang J, Xu L, Zhang C*. Cell-specific effects of miR-221/222 in vessels: Molecular mechanism and therapeutic application. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2012;52:245-55.

 

2.    Cheng Y, Wang X, Yang J, Duan X, Yao Y, Shi X, Chen Z, Fan Z, Liu X, Qin S, Tang X, Zhang C*. A translational study of urine miRNAs in acute myocardial infarction. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2012;53(5):668-76.

 

3.    Liu X, Cheng Y, Chen X, Yang J, Xu L, Zhang C*. MicroRNA-31 regulated by the extracellular regulated kinase is involved in vascular smooth muscle cell growth via large tumor suppressor homolog 2. J Biol Chem. 2011;286(49):42371-80.

 

4.    Qin S, Zhang C^*. MicroRNAs in vascular disease. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2011;57(1):8-12.

 

5.    Wang X, Cheng Y, Liu X, Yang J, Munoz D, Zhang C^*. Unexpected pro-injury effect of propofol on vascular smooth muscle cells with increased oxidative stress. Crit Care Med. 2011;39(4):738-45.

 

6.    Xiong M, Li J, Ye JH, Zhang C*. Upregulation of DeltaFosB by propofol in rat nucleus accumbens. Anesth Analg. 2011;113(2):259-64

 

7.    Cheng Y, Zhu P, Yang J, Liu X, Dong S, Wang X, Chun B, Zhuang J, Zhang C^*. Ischemic preconditioning-regulated miR-21 protects heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury via anti-apoptosis through its target PDCD4. Cardiovasc Res. 2010;87(3):431-9.

 

8.    Cheng Y, Tan N, Yang J, Liu X, Cao X, He P, Dong X, Qin S, Zhang C^*. A translational study of circulating cell-free microRNA-1 in acute myocardial infarction. Clin Sci (Lond). 2010;119(2):87-95.

 

9.    Tsukahara T, Tsukahara R, Fujiwara Y, Yue J, Cheng Y, Guo H, Bolen A, Zhang C, Balazs L, Re F, Du G, Frohman MA, Baker DL, Parrill AL, Uchiyama A, Kobayashi T, Murakami-Murofushi K, Tigyi G. Phospholipase D2-Dependent Inhibition of the Nuclear Hormone Receptor PPARgamma by Cyclic Phosphatidic Acid. Mol Cell. 2010;39:421-432.

 

10.Liu X, Cheng Y, Yang J, Krall TJ, Huo Y, Zhang, C^*. An essential role of PDCD4 in vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis and proliferation: implications for vascular disease. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2010;298(6):C1481-8.

 

11.Cheng Y, Zhang C^*. MicroRNA-21 in cardiovascular disease. Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research. J Cardiovasc Transl Res. 2010;3:251-5.

 

12.Zhang C^*. MicroRNAs in vascular biology and vascular disease. Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research.. J Cardiovasc Transl Res. 2010;3(3):235-40.

 

13.Zhang W, Wang J, Wang H, Tang R, Belcher JD, Viollet B, Geng JG, Zhang C, Wu C, Slungaard A, Zhu C, Huo Y. Acadesine Inhibits Tissue Factor Induction and Thrombus Formation by Activating the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/Akt Signaling Pathway. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2010;30(5):1000-6.

 

14.Wang H, Zhang W, Tang R, Zhu C, Bucher C, Blazar B, Geng J, Zhang C, Linden J, Wu C, Huo Y. Adenosine Receptor A2A Deficiency in Leukocytes Increases Arterial Neointima Formation in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2010;30(5):915-22.

 

15.Zhang C^*. Novel functions for small RNA molecules. Curr Opin Mol Ther. 2009; 11:541-651.

 

16.Dong S, Cheng Y, Yang J, Li J, Liu X, Wang D, Delphin ES, Zhang C*. MicroRNA expression signature and the role of microRNA-21 in the early phase of acute myocardial infarction. J Biol Chem. 2009;284:29514-25.

 

17.Cheng Y, Liu X, Yang J, Lin Y, Xu D, Lu Q, Deitch EA, Huo Y, Delphin E, Zhang C*. MicroRNA-145, a novel smooth muscle cell phenotypic marker and modulator, controls vascular neointimal lesion formation. Circ Res. 2009;105:158-166.

 

18.Wang H, Zhang W, Zhu C, Bucher C, Blazar BR, Zhang C, Chen JF, Linden J, Wu C, Huo Y. Inactivation of the Adenosine A2A Receptor Protects Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice From Atherosclerosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2009;29:1046-52.

 

19.Wang H, Zhang W, Tang R, Hebbel RP, Kowalska MA, Zhang C, Marth JD, Fukuda M, Zhu C, Huo Y. Core2 1-6-N-Glucosaminyltransferase-I Deficiency Protects Injured Arteries From Neointima Formation in ApoE-Deficient Mice.Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2009 ;29:1053-9.

 

20.Cheng Y, Liu X, Zhang S, Lin Y, Yang J, Zhang C*. MicroRNA-21 protects against the H₂O₂-induced injury on cardiac myocytes via its target gene PDCD4. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2009; 47:5-14.

 

21.Lin Y, Liu X, Cheng Y, Yang J, Huo Y, Zhang C*. Involvement of microRNAs in hydrogen peroxide-mediated gene regulation and cellular injury response in vascular smooth muscle cells. J Biol Chem. 2009; 284(12):7903-7913.

 

22.Liu X, Cheng Y, Zhang S, Lin Y, Yang J, Zhang C*. A necessary role of miR-222 and miR-221 in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and neointimal hyperplasia. Circ Res. 2009;104(4):476-87.

 

23.Kotha J, Zhang C (Co-first author), Longhurst C, Lu Y, Jacobs J, Cheng Y, Jennings LK. Functional relevance of tetraspanin CD9 in vascular smooth muscle cell injury phenotypes: A novel target for the prevention of neointimal hyperplasia.Atherosclerosis. 2009; 203:377-86.

 

24.Zhang C*. MicroRNAs: Role in Cardiovascular Biology and Disease. Clin Sci (Lond). 2008; 114: 699-706.

 

25.Zhang C*. MicroRNomics: a newly emerging approach for disease Biology. Physiol Genomics. 2008;33:139-147.

 

26.Ji R, Cheng Y, Yue J, Yang J, Liu X, Chen H, Dean DB, Zhang C*. MicroRNA expression signature and antisense-mediated depletion reveal an essential role of microRNA in vascular neointimal lesion formation. Circ Res. 2007;100:1579-1588.

 

27.Cheng Y, Ji R, Yue J, Yang J, Liu X, Chen H, Dean DB, Zhang C*. MiroRNAs are aberrantly expressed in hypertrophic heart: do they play a role in cardiac hypertrophy? Am J Pathol. 2007;170:1831-1840.

 

28.Yang J, Ji R, Cheng Y, Zhang C*. A novel model of inflammatory neointima formation reveals a role of myeloperoxidase in neointimal hyperplasia. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2006;291(6):H3087-3093.

 

29.Yang J, Ji R, Cheng Y, Sun JZ, Jennings LK , Zhang C*. L-arginine chlorination results in the formation of a nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2006;318(3):1044-1049. 

 

30.Han M, Wen J, Zheng B, Cheng Y, Zhang C*. Serum-deprivation results in redifferentiation of human vascular smooth muscle cells by increasing serum response factor binding activity. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2006;291(1):C50-58.

 

31.Liu Z, Zhang C (Co-first author), Dronadula N, Li Q, Rao GN. Blockade of nuclear factor of activated T cells activation signaling suppresses balloon injury-induced neointima formation in a rat carotid artery model. J Biol Chem. 2005;280(15):14700-14708.

 

32.Zhang C, Chaturvedi D, Jaggar L, Magnuson D, Lee JM, Patel TB.Regulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration by Human Sprouty 2. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2005;25(3):533-538.

 

33.Guo Y, Zhang C, Nair U, Du X, Yoo TJ. The morphological and functional alterations of the cochlea in apolipoprotein E deficient mice. Hear Res. 2005;208:54-67. 

 

34.Yaghini FA, Zhang C, Parmentier JH, Estes AM, Jafari N, Schaefer SA, Malik KU. Contribution of arachidonic acid metabolites derived via cytochrome P4504A to angiotensin II-induced neointimal growth. Hypertension. 2005;45:1182-1187.

 

35.Zhang C*, Yang J, Jennings LK. Leukocyte-derived myeloperoxidase amplifies high glucose-induced vascular dysfunction through the interaction with high glucose stimulated, vascular nonleukocyte-derived reactive oxygen species. Diabetes. 2004;53(11):2950-2959.

 

36.Zhang C, Baker DL,Yasuda S, Makarova N, Johnson LR, Balazs L, Marathe G, McIntyre TM, Xu Y, Prestwich GD, Bittman R, Tigyi G. Lysophosphatidic acid induces neointima formation through PPARg. J Exp Med. 2004;199:763-774.

 

37.Zhang C*, Yang J, Jennings LK. Attenuation of neointima formation through the inhibition of DNA repair enzyme PARP-1 in the rat carotid artery injury model. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2004;287(2):H659-666.

 

38.Zhang C*, Yang J, Jacobs JD, Jennings LK. Interaction of MPO with vascular NAD(H)P oxidases derived ROS in the vascular wall and its roles in vascular diseases. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2003;285: H2563-H2572.

 

39.Zhang C*, Yang J, Feng J, Jennings LK. Short-term administration of basic fibroblast growth factor enhances coronary collateral development without exacerbating atherosclerosis and balloon injury-induced vasoproliferation in atherosclerotic rabbits with acute myocardial infarction. J Lab Clin Med. 2002; 140(2):119-125.

 

40.Eiserich JP, Baldus S, Brennan ML, Ma W, Zhang C, Tousson A, Castro L, Lusis AJ, Nauseef WM, White CR, Freeman BA. Myeloperoxidase, a leukocyte-derived vascular NO oxidase. Science. 2002; 296(5577):2391-2394.

 

41.Zhang C, Reiter C, Eiserich JP, Boersma B, Parks DA, Beckman JS, Barnes S, Kirk M, Baldus S, Darley-Usmar VM, White CR. L-arginine chlorination products inhibit endothelial nitric oxide production. J Biol Chem. 2001; 276(29):27159-27165.

 

42.Zhang C, Patel R, Eiserich JP, Zhou F, Kelpke S, Ma W, Parks DA, Darley-Usmar V, White CR. Endothelial dysfunction is induced by proinflammatory oxidant hypochlorous acid. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2001;281(4): H1469-1475.