CSB Faculty

Jianhua Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.
Instructor/Research

University of Geneva, Switzerland, 1990

(210) 567-9200
zhangj0@UTHSCSA.EDU

I joined Department of CSB, Dr. Herman's lab in 2002. Trained as a Medical Doctor, I worked both in clinical and experimental oncology (cancer immunology and cancer biology of metastasis) for more than 10 years in China. In 1990, I received my PhD degree from University of Geneva, Switzerland (immunology - cytokines and macrophage function). In 1998, I finished my post-doctoral training in McGill University, Canada (biochemistry and molecular biology - molecular cloning of a G-protein coupled receptor on eosinophils). I moved to UTHSCSA in 1999. Before I joined CSB, I worked on kidney cell apoptosis (Dept. Medicine, Div. Nephrology) and breast cancer bone-metastasis (Dental School).

Cell death by autophagy and apoptosis plays important role in aging (Zhang JH, Zhang Y, and Herman B. Ageing Res Rev. 2:357-66, 2003) and in cancer. The mechanisms by which mitochondria control cell death have been intensively explored in Dr. Herman's lab. Using advanced optical imaging tools, molecules regulating mitochondrial function have been observed in situ during reactive oxygen species (ROS) or other insults induced cell death. Multiple mitochondrial function markers have also been monitored by means of biochemistry and immunocytochemistry in various cell death models.

Aging and cancer development are controlled by genes. The complete sequencing of human genome has provided the possibility to discover genetic variation that determines individual's predisposition to aging or cancer, among other human diseases. New DNA profiling techniques such as microarray are used to search for SNPs or haplotypes (biomarkers) linking to the susceptibility to certain disease including cancer, and aging. My research interests consist of probing such biomarkers by novel genomics methods to identify individuals with high risk for certain disease, such as cancer, in order to provide opportunity for them to prevent vicious diseases.

As well in the new horizon of personalized medicine or individualized medicine, stands pharmacogenomics. Genetic polymorphism (biomarkers) of drug metabolic enzymes, transporters or target molecules sets up the base of different response for the same drug to different individuals. My research interests include pharmacogenomics which searches for genetic diversity in genome scale to establish molecular diagnostic tools that can be used to individualize and optimize cancer chemotherapy.

Research Techniques:
Cell-based analysis:
    Fluorescent microscopy
    Confocal and multiphoton microscopy
    FRET and FLIM
    Flow cytometry and cell sorting
    Immunocytochemistry

DNA/RNA-based analysis:
    Real-time PCR
    DNA sequencing and genotyping
    In situ hybridization (FISH)

PUBLICATIONS:
Ramanujan VK, Zhang JH, Biener E, Herman B. (2005) Multiphoton fluorescence lifetime contrast in deep tissue imaging: prospects in redox imaging and disease diagnosis. J Biomed Opt. Sep-Oct;10(5):051407.

Zhang JH, Wang J, Tang J, Barnett B, Dickson J, Hahsimoto N, Williams P, Ma W, Zheng W, Yoneda T, Pageau S, Chen J. (2004) Bone sialoprotein promotes bone metastasis of a non-bone-seeking clone of human breast cancer cells. Anticancer Res. May-Jun;24(3a):1361-8.

Zhang JH, Tang J, Wang J, Ma W, Zheng W, Yoneda T, Chen J. (2003) Over-expression of bone sialoprotein enhances bone metastasis of human breast cancer cells in a mouse model. Int J Oncol. Oct;23(4):1043-8.

Zhang JH, Ferrante A, Arrigo AP, Dayer JM. (1992) .Neutrophil stimulation and priming by direct contact with activated human T lymphocytes. J Immunol. Jan 1;148(1):177-81.

Seckinger P, Zhang JH, Hauptmann B, Dayer JM. (1990) .Characterization of a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitor: evidence of immunological cross-reactivity with the TNF receptor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. Jul;87(13):5188-92.