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Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy

Chenji Zhou, Ph.D.

Chenji Zhou, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
(in Residence)
602B Shriners Hospital, Sacramento Campus
(916) 453-2268
e-mail


Recent/Current
Research Funding

Shriners Hospitals for Children

UC Davis Children’s
Miracle Network

American Cancer Society

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Graduate Group Affiliations

Cell and Developmental Biology

Genetics

Neuroscience

Research Interests

The Zhou lab studies morphogenetic signaling in neural development and regeneration. They are primarily interested in tissue/organ morphogenesis that is regulated by several inductive factors such as Wnts. Incorrect activity and timing of morphogenetic signaling during development frequently result in embryonic death or severe birth defects.

Currently the Zhou lab is investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of several common developmental disorders and their prevention strategies using Wnt signaling mutants as the research model. They are also investigating the role of Wnt signaling in neural stem cells and related regeneration process to enhance their therapeutic potential for patients with related genetic diseases, brain tumors, and injured nerve tissues.

Representative Publications

Zhou CJ, Borello U, Rubenstein JLR, Pleasure SJ (2006) Neuronal production and precursor proliferation defects in mice with loss of function in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Neuroscience, 142:1119-1131.
 
Zhou CJ, Pinson KI, Pleasure SJ (2004) Severe defects of dorsal thalamus in low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-6 mutants. J Neurosci 24:7632-7639.
 
Zhou CJ, Zhao C, Pleasure SJ (2004) Wnt signaling mutants have decreased dentate granule cell production and radial glial scaffolding abnormalities. J Neurosci 24:121-126.

Wang YZ, Molotkov a, Song L, Li Y, Pleasure DE, Zhou CJ (2008) Activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling reporter in developing mouse olfactory nerve layer marks a specialized subgroup of olfactory ensheathing cells. Developmental Dynamics. Epub ahead of print.

Zhou CJ, Molotkov A, Song L, Li Y, Pleasure DE, Pleasure SJ, Wang YZ (2008) Ocular coloboma and dorsoventral neuroretinal patterning defects in Lrp6 mutant eyes. Developmental Dynamics. In press.

Recent/Current Teaching

CHA403, Neuroscience

Teaching and Research Awards

  • UC Davis Health System Research Award