Lab Leader:Kun Zhang

Lab Name:Laboratory of Pathogenesis of Liver Diseases and Gene Therapy

Lab Info：Our research group is dedicated to basic research and clinical translation in liver diseases. We aim to build a multidimensional research platform based on human liver tissue models, including hepatocyte organoids and humanized liver animal models, to investigate the mechanisms driving the initiation and progression of human liver diseases. Through technological innovation, we focus on developing efficient gene delivery vectors and advanced gene-editing tools for gene correction and target cell engineering. In translational medicine, we integrate multi-omics analyses with high-throughput drug screening to identify novel therapeutic targets with high clinical translational potential. In addition, we are developing organoid-based cell and gene therapy technologies to advance personalized precision medicine. Together, these efforts will provide systematic technical support for mechanistic studies, drug discovery, and clinical translation of liver diseases, laying a strong foundation for future precision medicine applications.

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Lab Leader:Qing Li

Lab Name:Laboratory for Epigenetic Regulation of Germ Cells and Early Embryos

Lab Info:Our laboratory focuses on the molecular regulation of primordial germ cell (PGC) development and early embryogenesis, two tightly coupled processes that underpin reproductive health and the developmental origins of disease. By dissecting the dynamic epigenetic and transcriptional programs governing cell fate decisions during this critical window, our research aims to uncover the genetic basis of infertility, pregnancy failure, and congenital disorders. To address these challenges, we have established a series of innovative developmental genetics platforms, including semi-cloning-mediated in vivo genetic screening, multiplex gene editing in zygotes, and embryonic stem cell-based high-contribution chimera systems. These approaches enable systematic interrogation of multi-gene and multi-locus functions beyond traditional single-gene studies. Using these technologies, we have identified key regulatory mechanisms in germ cell and embryonic development, including the essential roles of DND1 and TRIM37 in PGC development, FXR1-mediated phase separation in spermatogenesis, and DNMT-dependent epigenetic regulation in early embryos and genomic imprinting. In parallel, we have elucidated disease mechanisms such as GJB2-associated hereditary deafness, linking developmental dysregulation to human genetic disorders. Collectively, our work provides both mechanistic insights and potential therapeutic targets for reproductive medicine and developmental diseases.

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Lab Leader:Qiong Wang

Lab Name: Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine

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Stem cell research not only provides unique insights into fundamental developmental and disease mechanisms, but also lays the foundation for future therapeutic strategies. Elucidating the regulatory networks governing stem cell pluripotency and differentiation is a prerequisite for understanding their physiological roles and pathological mechanisms. Currently, her laboratory employs human and mouse stem cells, organoids as well as animal models to investigate stem cell biology. By integrating functional genomics, epigenetics and bioinformatics approaches, the lab seeks to uncover the regulatory mechanisms that control stem cell differentiation under physiological and pathological conditions, with the goal of accelerating the clinical translation of stem cell-based therapies. Her primary research interests focus on: 1.) Studying the early fate-determination mechanism of embryonic stem cell towards mesendoderm; 2.) Identifying key development regulators of mesendoderm-derived organs and exploring the clinical applications of adult stem cells or progenitors.

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Lab Leader: Mingliang Zhang

Lab Name: Laboratory of Stem Cells & Neuroregeneration

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Restoring brain function after injury and during aging remains a central challenge in neuroscience. Our laboratory focuses on myelin biology as a key driver of neural circuit function and regeneration. We investigate the mechanisms of oligodendrocyte development, myelin formation, and remyelination, and how myelin remodeling supports neuronal integrity and functional recovery. By integrating stem cell biology, chemical biology, and high-throughput screening, we develop small-molecule and genetic strategies to promote endogenous repair. Our goal is to establish myelin regeneration as a therapeutic entry point for improving cognitive function and delaying functional decline in neurological disorders.

We are recruiting research associates and postdoctoral fellows with backgrounds in stem cells, neurobiology, or chemical biology. Please send your CV and publication list to: mingliang.zhang@shsmu.edu.cn.

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