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Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine

Zheng Laboratory

Location

Versiti Blood Research Institute

Contact

zzheng@mcw.edu

View Ze Zheng, MBBS, PhD Bio
Ze Zheng Laboratory

Lab Director | Ze Zheng, MBBS, PhD

  • Assistant Professor, Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine (primary), Medical College of Wisconsin
  • Assistant Associate Investigator, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin
  • Member, Cardiovascular Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology (secondary), Medical College of Wisconsin
Ze Zheng, MBBS, PhD

Research Areas

Our laboratory studies the interactions between metabolism and blood clot lysis. Fibrinolysis, the primary mechanism that dissolves a blood clot, is initiated by a serine protease tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA). Our previous study discussed a novel source and regulation of endogenous basal plasma tPA derived from hepatocytes, which is important for fibrinolysis when a vessel injury occurs. The tPA activity is inhibited primarily by the serpin plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). A balance between tPA and PAI-1 in plasma is essential for preventing excessive clotting. Our recent study revealed the mechanism of how hepatocytes sense metabolic stresses and imbalance the production of tPA and PAI-1, influencing the degree of impaired fibrinolysis in obesity.

The goal of our laboratory is to understand the role of hepatocyte-derived tPA and basal fibrinolysis in hemostasis, and to develop diagnostic/ preventive/ therapeutic strategies that can be used to combat atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and bleeding disorders. Specific areas of research interests include: 1) a new link between reduced fibrinolysis and dyslipidemia, 2) circadian regulation of basal fibrinolysis and the morning onset of thrombotic events, 3) the role of hepatocyte tPA and liver injuries, 4) increased fibrinolysis in hemophilia, and 5) a timely study of fibrinolysis in COVID-19.

Ze Zheng Laboratory Research Theme

Current Members

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Hayley Lund, BS

Lab Manager

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Wen Dai, MD

Postdoctoral Researcher

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Alexis Nicole Smith, PhD

Postdoctoral Researcher

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Hortense Triniac, PhD

Postdoctoral Researcher

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Ziyu Zhang, MD

Postdoctoral Researcher

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Marjorie Kipp, BS

Technician

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Mindy Kim, BA

MSTP Student

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Maya Rodriguez

Student Research Assistant

Research in the Ze Zheng Laboratory

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Research in the Ze Zheng laboratory
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Analyzing research results in the Ze Zheng laboratory
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Performing research in the Ze Zheng laboratory
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Member of the Ze Zheng laboratory
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Research studies in the Ze Zheng laboratory
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Recent Publications

Publications of Ze Zheng PhD from the Faculty Collaboration Database

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