• Biology of ageing; chromatin architectural alterations in ageing; Senolytic, anti-ageing antibody drugs and vaccine
• Stem cell self-renewal and differentiation in development, ageing and cancer
• Extracellular matrix remodeling in the regulation of growth factor signalling and metabolism in development, diseases and ageing
• Human Islet organoid production and clinical applications
• Single cell OMICs technology development and applications

Zhongjun Zhou is currently the Chui Fook-Chuen Endowed Professor in Molecular Medicine at the School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong. He obtained a BSc degree in Biochemistry from Xiamen University, Master of Science in Biochemistry and MD in Pathophysiology from Peking Union Medical College (PUMC & CAMS). After 2 years in Peking University Health Center, he left for Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, supported by Swedish Cancer Foundation. He then received a PhD degree in Medical Biochemistry from Karolinska Institute. In Dec 2002, he joined the department of Biochemistry as a Research Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor three years later. He has published over 90 original papers, reviews and book chapter. He is the co-founding Chair of Asian Association of Ageing Research and the elected Inaugural President of Hong Kong Society for Cell Biology (HKSCB). He is the council member of Chinese Society of Cell Biology, Scientific Advisory Board member of American Federation of Aging Research, and Distinguished Visiting Professor of The Macau University.

Well recognized internationally in the field of matrix biology and ageing, Prof Zhou is interested in understanding the biological functions of extracellular and nuclear matrix proteins. His works focus on signalling regulation in development, ageing, and tumorigenesis using genetically modified mice and human patient tissues. He identified lamin A as the endogenous substrate of metalloproteinase Zmpste24 and demonstrated for the first time that genomic instability is behind the most severe human early ageing disorder, Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS). He established the first HGPS animal model in the world and has demonstrated that nuclear matrix is not simply a scaffold but also a functional structure regulating chromatin dynamics through modulating epigenetic factors, such as histone deacetylases and acetyltransferases. His group is the first to show epigenetic contribution to premature ageing. Prof Zhou’s works have revealed several critical pathways regulating ageing and longevity, especially the interplay between SIRT6 and p53, achieving the longest lifespan extension in mammals by 14-fold in Sirt6 deficient mice. His group demonstrated the critical role for lamin A in maintaining SIRT1/6 activities that decline with age. The works on health span extension provide new hope for patients with HGPS and other ageing-associated diseases. He has also made outstanding contributions to the understanding of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) in development, metabolism, regeneration, ageing and in various pathological conditions. He demonstrated that MT1-MMP is the major negative Notch signalling regulator to maintain lymphocyte differentiation. In addition, he beautifully showed the cross-talk between ADAM and MMP in regulating FGFR2 signalling and osteogenesis. His group showed that MT1-MMP is an endogenous inhibitor of lymph angiogenesis and regulates body-weight, Osteognesis, adipogenesis, and ageing, revealing a critical role for MT1-MMP in insulin resistance and food in-take through cleavage of various receptors. His group also showed that Isthmin-1 (Ism1) plays a critical role in regulating renal branching morphogenesis, mammary gland development and hematopoiesis. Recently, his team has developed a platform to generate human islet organoids and identified over hundreds of senescent antigens for the development of anti-ageing vaccine and antibody drugs. In the past few years, his team also established novel strategy for single cell OMICs analysis (Indexed Tagmentation sc-OMICs) with higher through-put and resolution. This platform enables a better, faster and cheaper single cell analysis. 
Prof Zhou has established a close collaboration with clinicians and has identified several disease genes, such as familial hypertension. Inflammatory bowel diseases, and precocious sexual maturation. With the disease models established in his group, he aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases caused by specific mutations. In addition, the clinical intervention and drugs for therapies will be developed.

Several postdoctoral positions are available for self-motivated fresh graduates. The candidates are expected to have experiences either in modern molecular biology especially single cell OMICs or strong background in Immunology, Inflammation and hand-on experiences of vaccine development. Candidate with experiences of human organoid will be highly appreciated.

1. Jin W, Ma J, Rong L, Li T, Jin G, Huang S, Zhou Z* (2025). Semi-automated IT-scATAC-seq profiles cell-specific chromatin accessibility in differentiation and peripheral blood populations" Nature Communications. 25 Mar 17;16(1):2635. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-57931-2. PMID: 40097444.
2. Ma J#, Jin W#*, Rong L#, Hosen M S, Long F, Zhang Z, Huang J, Jin G, Zhou Z*(2025). IT-scC&T-seq streamlines scalable, parallel profiling of protein-DNA interactions in single cells. Genome Biology (Revised)
3. Zhu D, Chen Z, Guo K, Xie Q, Zou Y, Mou Q, Zhou Z*, Jin G* (2025). Enhanced viability and functional maturity of iPSC-derived islet organoids by collagen-VI-enriched ECM scaffolds. Cell Stem Cell. 2025 Feb 15:S1934-5909(25)00040-2. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2025.02.001.   PMID: 39999846.
4. Jin W, Jiang S, Liu X, He Y, Li T, Ma J, Chen Z, Lu X, Liu X, Shou W, Jin G, Ding J, Zhou Z*. Disorganized chromatin hierarchy and stem cell aging in a male patient of atypical laminopathy-based progeria mandibuloacral dysplasia type A. Nature Communications. 2024 Nov 20; 15(1):10046. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-54338-3. PMID: 39567511; PMCID: PMC11579472.
5. Wang L, Yang X, Zhao K, Huang S, Qin Y, Chen Z, Hu X, Jin G, Zhou Z*(2024). MOF-mediated acetylation of UHRF1 enhances UHRF1 E3 ligase activity to facilitate DNA methylation maintenance. Cell Reports. 43(3):113908. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113908. PMID: 38446667.
6. Gao G, Li X, Jiang Z, Osorio L, Tang YL, Yu X, Jin G, Zhou Z* (2023). Isthmin-1 (Ism1) modulates renal branching morphogenesis and mesenchyme condensation during early kidney development. Nature Communications.  14, 2378 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-37992-x
7. Zhao K, Zheng M, Su Z, Ghosh S, Zhang C, Zhong W, Ho WK J, Jin G, Zhou Z* (2023). MOF-mediated acetylation attenuates tumour suppressive activity of SIRT6 in non-small cell lung cancer. Cell Reports 42(8),112939. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112939
8. Zhang, L., Yu, J., Zheng, M. Zhen, H., Xie Q., Zhang C., Zhou Z*, Jin G*. (2023). RAGA prevents tumor immune evasion of LUAD by promoting CD47 lysosome degradation. Commun Biol (Impact factor 6.5). 6, 211. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-04581-z
9. Zhen H, Huang M, Zheng M, Gao L, Pang Q, Jin G, Zhou Z* (2023). WTAP regulates stem cells via TRAF6 to maintain planarian homeostasis and regeneration. Intl J Biol Macromol. Vol 242 (3), 124932 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124932 (Impact factor 8.025)
10. Jin W, He Y, Li T, Long F, Qin X, Yuan Y, Gao G, Shakhawat HM, Liu X, Jin G, Zhou Z*(2022). Rapid and robust derivation of mesenchymal stem cells from human pluripotent stem cells via temporal induction of neuralized ectoderm. Cell Biosci. 2022 Mar 15;12(1):31. doi: 10.1186/s13578-022-00753-2. PMID: 35292115; PMCID: PMC8922747.
11. S Sun, W Qin, X Tang, Y Meng, W Hu, S Zhang, M Qian, Z Liu, X Cao, Q Pang, B Zhao, Z Wang, Z Zhou, B Liu* (2020). Vascular endothelium–targeted Sirt7 gene therapy rejuvenates blood vessels and extends life span in a Hutchinson-Gilford progeria model. Science advances  2020, 6 (8), eaay5556
12. Jiang Z, Zhou J，Qin X，Zheng H, Gao B, Liu X and Zhou Z* (2020). Defective ependymal cell maturation and ciliogenesis leads to hydrocephalus in mice deficient for MT1-MMP. JCI Insight (Impact factor 9.48) ; 5(9): doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.132782e132782  Highlighted in JCI This Month
13. Osório L, Wu X, Wang L, Jiang Z, Neideck C, Sheng G, and Zhou Z*(2019). ISM1 regulates NODAL signaling and asymmetric organ morphogenesis during development. J Cell Biol. 218(7); 2388–2402.  DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201801081
14. Li T, Wang L, Du Y, Xie S, Yang X, Lian F, Zhou Z*, Qian C* (2018). New Mechanistic Insights into UHRF1-mediated DNMT1 activation in the Maintenance DNA Methylation. Nuclear Acid Res, (Impact factor 19.16) DOI:10.1093/nar/gky104
15. Ghosh S, Wong SK, Jiang ZX, Liu B, Hao Q, Gorbunova V, Liu X, Zhou Z*(2018). Haploinsufficiency of Trp53 dramatically extends the lifespan of Sirt6-defircient mice. eLife, DOI：10.7554/eLife.32127.001
16. H L Wong, G Jin, R Cao, S Zhang, Y Cao, Z Zhou*. MT1-MMP sheds LYVE-1 on lymphatic endothelial cells and suppresses VEGF-C production to inhibit lymphangiogenesis. Nature Communications  2016;7:10824. doi: 10.1038/ncomms10824
17. S Ghosh, B Liu, Y Wang, Q Hao, Z Zhou*. Lamin A is an endogenous SIRT6 activator and promote SIRT6-mediated DNA damage. Cell Reports 2015, 13 (6), 1396–1406
18. B Liu, Z Wang, L Zhang, S Ghosh, H Zheng and Z Zhou*(2013). Depleting the methyltransferase Suv39h1 improves DNA repair and extends lifespan in a progeria mouse model. Nature Communications 4:1868 doi: 10.1038/ncomms2885.
19. B Liu, S Ghosh, X Yang, H Zheng, X Liu, Z Wang, B Zheng, B K Kennedy, Y Suh, M Kaeberlein, K Tryggvason, and Z Zhou*(2012). Resveratrol rescues Sirt1-dependent adult stem cell decline and alleviates progeroid features in laminopathy-based progeria. Cell Metabolism. 16(6),738-750
20. K Chan, H Wong, G Jin, B Liu, R Cao, Y Cao, K Lehti, K Tryggvason and Z Zhou*(2012). MT1-MMP Inactivates ADAM9 to Regulate FGFR2 Signalling in Calvarial Osteogenesis. Developmental Cell 22(6); 1176-1190   Faculty 1000 F1000 Factor 8.0 must read.
21. V Krishnan, M Z Chow, Z Wang, L Zhang, B Liu, X Liu and Z Zhou* (2011). Histone H4 lysine 16 hypoacetylation is associated with defective DNA repair and premature senescence in Zmpste24-deficient mice. Proc Natl Aca Sci USA ,108 (30);12325-12330
22. G Jin, F Zhang, KM Chan, HL Wong, B Liu, K Cheah, X Liu, C Mauch, D Liu, Z Zhou*(2011). MT1-MMP cleaves Dll1 to negatively regulate Notch signaling to maintain normal B cell development. EMBO J, 30, 2281 – 2293
23. Liu B, Wang J, Chan KM, Tjia WM, Deng W, Guan X, Huang JD, Li KM, Chau PY, Chen DJ, Pei D, Pendas AM, Cadinanos J, Lopez-Otin C, Tse HF, Hutchison C, Chen J, Cao Y, Cheah KS, Tryggvason K, Zhou Z*(2005).  Genomic instability in laminopathy-based premature aging.  Nature Medicine, 11 (7), 780-785 * correspondence. Comment by Misteli T, Scaffidi P. In Nat Med 2005 11(7):718-9. Genome instability in progeria: when repair gets old.  F1000 Factor 6.4
24. Zhou Z*, Doi M, Wang J, Cao R, Liu B, Chan KM, Kortesmaa J, Sorokin L, Cao Y, Tryggvason K. Deletion in laminin-8 results in increased tumor neovascularization and metastasis in mice. Cancer Research.  2004; 64(12), 4059-4063 *correspondence   Recommended by Faculty 1000 by Lynn Matrisian, F1000 Factor 3.0
25. Zhou Z*, Wang J, Cao R, Morita H, Soininen R, Chan KM, Liu B, Cao Y, Tryggvason K. Impaired angiogenesis, delayed wound healing and retarded tumor growth in Perlecan heparan sulfate deficient mice.  Cancer Research.   2004; 64(14), 4699-4702  * correspondence
26. Pendás A#, Zhou Z#, Cadinanos J, Freije JM, Wang J, Hultenby K, Astudillo A, Wernerson A, Rodriguez F, Tryggvason K, Lopez-Otin C (2002).  Defective prelamin A processing and muscular and adipocyte alterations in Zmpste24 metalloproteinase–deficient mice.  Nature Genetics; 31(1): 94-99  *Equal contribution.
27. Zhou Z, Soininen R, Cao R, Baaklini GY, Rauser RW, Wang J, Cao Y, Tryggvason K (2000).  Impaired endochondral ossification and angiogenesis in mice deficient in membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase I.  Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A; 97(8):4052-7. 

A. Human Islet Organoid for Diabetes Treatment

1. Zhu D, Chen Z, Guo K, Xie Q, Zou Y, Mou Q, Zhou Z*, Jin G* (2025). Enhanced viability and functional maturity of iPSC-derived islet organoids by collagen-VI-enriched ECM scaffolds. Cell Stem Cell. 2025 Feb 15:S1934-5909(25)00040-2. PMID: 39999846, doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2025.02.001.   

B. Single Cell OMICs Technology Development

1. Jin W*, Ma J, Rong L, Li T, Jin G, Huang S, Zhou Z* (2025). Semi-automated IT-scATAC-seq profiles cell-specific chromatin accessibility in differentiation and peripheral blood populations" Nature Communications. 25 Mar 17;16(1):2635. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-57931-2. PMID: 40097444.
2. Ma J#, Jin W#*, Rong L#, Hosen M S, Long F, Zhang Z, Huang J, Jin G, Zhou Z*(2025). IT-scC&T-seq streamlines scalable, parallel profiling of protein-DNA interactions in single cells. Genome Biology (Revised)

C. Sirtuins

1. Zhao K, Zheng M, Su Z, Ghosh S, Zhang C, Zhong W, Ho WK J, Jin G, Z Zhou* (2023). MOF-mediated acetylation attenuates tumour suppressive activity of SIRT6 in non-small cell lung cancer. Cell Reports 42(8),112939. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112939
2. Sun S, Qin W, Tang X, Meng Y, Hu W, Zhang S, Qian M, Liu Z, Cao X, Pang Q, Zhao B, Wang Z, Zhou Z, Liu B (2020). Vascular endothelium–targeted Sirt7 gene therapy rejuvenates blood vessels and extends life span in a Hutchinson-Gilford progeria model. Science advances, 6 (8), eaay5556
3. Ghosh S, Wong SK, Jiang ZX, Liu B, Hao Q, Gorbunova V, Liu X, Zhou Z （2018）*. Haploinsufficiency of Trp53 dramatically extends the lifespan of Sirt6-defircient mice. eLife DOI：10.7554/eLife.32127.001
4. Shi L, Tang X, Qian M, Liu Z, Meng F, Fu L, Wang Z, Zhu WG, Huang JD, Zhou Z, Liu B (2018). A SIRT1-centered circuitry regulates breast cancer stemness and metastasis. Oncogene.  37(49):6299-6315. doi: 10.1038/s41388-018-0370-5.
5. S Ghosh, B Liu, Y Wang, Q Hao, Z Zhou* (2015). Lamin A is an endogenous SIRT6 activator and promote SIRT6-mediated DNA damage. Cell Reports, 13 (6), 1396–140
6. B Liu, S Ghosh, X Yang, H Zheng, X Liu, Z Wang, B Zheng, B K Kennedy, Y Suh, M Kaeberlein, K Tryggvason, and Z Zhou* (2012). Resveratrol rescues Sirt1-dependent adult stem cell decline and alleviates progeroid features in laminopathy-based progeria. Cell Metabolism 31.4, 16(6),738-750

D. Ageing and Premature ageing

1. Jin W, Jiang S, Liu X, He Y, Li T, Ma J, Chen Z, Lu X, Liu X, Shou W, Jin G, Ding J, Zhou Z*(2024). Disorganized chromatin hierarchy and stem cell aging in a male patient of atypical laminopathy-based progeria mandibuloacral dysplasia type A. Nature Communications. 2024 Nov 20; 15(1):10046. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-54338-3. PMID: 39567511; PMCID: PMC11579472.
2. Ren J, Song M, Zhang W, et al, Zhou Z, Zhu D, Zou W, Pei G and Liu G* (2023). The ageing Biomarker Consortium represents a new era for ageing research in China. Nature Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02444-y
3. Guo X, Zhang S, Wong SKK, Fallah S, Chow CFW, Asthana P, Che S, Zhai L, Wang Z, Xin G, Jiang Z, Gurung S, Wu J, Zhang Y, Wu X, Xu K, Lin CY, Kwan HY, Lyu A, Zhou Z, Bian Z, Wong HLX (2022) Regulation of ageing-associated insulin resistance by MT1-MMP-mediated cleavage of Insulin Receptor. Nature Communications.  13, 3749
4. W Jin, Y He, T Li, F Long, X Qin, Y Yuan, G Gao, HM Shakhawat, Z Zhou*(2022). Rapid and robust derivation of mesenchymal stem cells from human pluripotent stem cells via temporal neuralized ectoderm induction. Cell & Biosciences. 12, 31. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13578-022-00753-2
5. Ao Y, Zhang J, Liu Z, Qian M, Li Y, Wu Z, Sun P, Wu J, Bei W, Wen J, Wu X, Li F, Zhou Z, Zhu WG, Liu B, Wang Z (2019). Lamin A buffers CK2 kinase activity to modulate ageing in a progeria mouse model. Science advances ;5(3):eaav5078. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aav5078.
6. Qian M, Liu Z, Peng L, Tang X, Meng F, Ao Y, Zhou M, Wang M, Cao X, Qin B, Wang Z, Zhou Z, Wang G, Gao Z, Xu J, Liu B (2018). Boosting ATM activity alleviates ageing and extends lifespan in a mouse model of progeria. eLife 7. pii: e34836. doi: 10.7554/eLife.34836.
7. Lyu G, Guan Y, Zhang C, Zong L, Sun L, Huang X, Huang L, Zhang L, Tian XL, Zhou Z, Tao W (2018). TGF-β signaling alters H4K20me3 status via miR-29 and contributes to cellular senescence and cardiac ageing. Nature Communications; 9(1):2560. doi:10.1038/s41467-018-04994-z.
8. Zhang CL, Liu X, He QJ, Zheng H, Xu S, Xiong XD, Yuan Y, Ruan J, Li JB, Xing Y, Zhou Z, Deng S (2017). miR‑342‑5p promotes Zmpste24‑deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts proliferation by suppressing GAS2. Mol Med Rep. 16(6):8944-8952. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7731.
9. Xiong XD, Jung HJ, Gombar S, Park JY, Zhang CL, Zheng H, Ruan J, Li JB, Kaeberlein M, Kennedy BK, Zhou Z, Liu X, Suh Y (2015). MicroRNA transcriptome analysis identifies miR-365 as a novel negative regulator of cell proliferation in Zmpste24-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Mutat Res. 777:69-78. doi: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2015.04.010.
10. McCormick MA, Delaney JR, Tsuchiya M, Tsuchiyama S, Shemorry A, Sim S, Chou AC, Ahmed U, Carr D, Murakami CJ, Schleit J, Sutphin GL, Wasko BM, Bennett CF, Wang AM, Olsen B, Beyer RP, Bammler TK, Prunkard D, Johnson SC, Pennypacker JK, An E, Anies A, Castanza AS, Choi E, Dang N, Enerio S, Fletcher M, Fox L, Goswami S, Higgins SA, Holmberg MA, Hu D, Hui J, Jelic M, Jeong KS, Johnston E, Kerr EO, Kim J, Kim D, Kirkland K, Klum S, Kotireddy S, Liao E, Lim M, Lin MS, Lo WC, Lockshon D, Miller HA, Moller RM, Muller B, Oakes J, Pak DN, Peng ZJ, Pham KM, Pollard TG, Pradeep P, Pruett D, Rai D, Robison B, Rodriguez AA, Ros B, Sage M, Singh MK, Smith ED, Snead K, Solanky A, Spector BL, Steffen KK, Tchao BN, Ting MK, Vander Wende H, Wang D, Welton KL, Westman EA, Brem RB, Liu XG, Suh Y, Zhou Z, Kaeberlein M, Kennedy BK (2015). A Comprehensive Analysis of Replicative Lifespan in 4,698 Single-Gene Deletion Strains Uncovers Conserved Mechanisms of ageing. Cell Metabolism 22(5),895-906
11. Liu J, Yin X, Liu B, Zheng H, Zhou G, Gong L, Li M, Li X, Wang Y, Hu J, Krishnan V, Zhou Z, Wang Z (2014). HP1α mediates defective heterochromatin repair and accelerates senescence in Zmpste24-deficient cells. Cell Cycle. 2014;13(8):1237-47. doi: 10.4161/cc.28105.
12. B Liu, Z Wang, L Zhang, S Ghosh, H Zheng and Z Zhou* (2013). Depleting the methyltransferase Suv39h1 improves DNA repair and extends lifespan in a progeria mouse model. Nature Communications; 4:1868  doi: 10.1038/ncomms2885.
13. Liu B, Zhou S, Liu X, Zhou K, Zhang F, Zhou Z*. Accumulation of prelamin A compromises NF-κB-regulated B-lymphopoiesis in a progeria mouse model. Longev Healthspan. 2013;2:1. doi: 10.1186/2046-2395-2-1. eCollection 2013
14. V Krishnan, M Z Chow, Z Wang, L Zhang, B Liu, X Liu and Z Zhou* (2011). Histone H4 lysine 16 hypoacetylation is associated with defective DNA repair and premature senescence in Zmpste24-deficient mice. Proc Natl Aca Sci USA,108 (30);12325-12330
15. B Liu, Z Wang and Z Zhou*(2013). Defective ATM-Kap-1-mediated chromatin remodeling impairs DNA repair and accelerates senescence in progeria. Ageing Cell, 12(2), 316-8. DOI: 10.1111/acel.12035
16. JR Delaney, GL Sutphin, B Dulken, S Sim, JR Kim, B Robison, J Schleit, CJ Murakami, D Carr, EH. An, E Choi, A Chou, M Fletcher, M Jelic, B Liu, D Lockshon, R M. Moller, D N. Park, Q Peng, ZJ Peng, K M. Pham, M Sage, A Solanky, KK. Steffen, M Tsuchiya, S Tsuchiyama, S Johnson, C Raabe, Y Suh, Z Zhou, X Liu, BK. Kennedy, and M Kaeberlein (2011). Sir2 deletion prevents life span extension in 32 long-lived Sir2 deletion prevents life span extension in 32 long-lived mutants. Ageing Cell, 10(6):1089-1091
17. Liu B, Wang J, Chan KM, Tjia WM, Deng W, Guan X, Huang JD, Li KM, Chau PY, Chen DJ, Pei D, Pendas AM, Cadinanos J, Lopez-Otin C, Tse HF, Hutchison C, Chen J, Cao Y, Cheah KS, Tryggvason K, Zhou Z.* (2005)  Genomic instability in laminopathy-based premature ageing.  Nature Medicine, 11 (7), 780-785 * correspondence.  Commented by Misteli T, Scaffidi P. In Nat Med 2005 11(7):718-9. Genome instability in progeria: when repair gets old.  F1000 Factor 6.4
18. Varela I, Cadinanos J, Pendas AM, Gutierrez-Fernandez A, Folgueras AR, Sanchez LM, Zhou Z, Rodriguez FJ, Stewart CL, Vega JA, Tryggvason K, Freije JM, Lopez-Otin C (2005). Accelerated ageing in mice deficient in Zmpste24 protease is linked to p53 signalling activation. Nature (Impact Factor 69.5), 437(7058):564-8   Recommended by Faculty 1000 by M. Sharon Stack, F1000 Factor 6.0  an intriguing link between ageing and tumor suppression
19. Pendás A*, Zhou Z *, Cadinanos J, Freije JM, Wang J, Hultenby K, Astudillo A, Wernerson A, Rodriguez F, Tryggvason K, Lopez-Otin C (2002).  Defective prelamin A processing and muscular and adipocyte alterations in Zmpste24 metalloproteinase–deficient mice.  Nature Genetics, 31(1): 94-99  *Equal contribution.

E. Development and Diseases

1. Chen L, Zhen H, Chen Z, Huang M, Mak DW, Jin W, Zou Y, Chen M, Zheng M, Xie Q, Zhou Z*, Jin G*(2023). Deciphering m6A dynamics at a single-base level during planarian anterior-posterior axis specification. Comput Struct Biotechnol J. 21:4567-4579. doi: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.09.018.
2. Yuan J, Guo L, Wang J, Zhou Z*, Wu C*(2023). α-parvin controls chondrocyte column formation and regulates long bone development. Bone Res. 11(1):46. doi: 10.1038/s41413-023-00284-7.
3. Zhen H, Huang M, Zheng M, Gao L, Pang Q, Jin G, Zhou Z* (2023). WTAP regulates stem cells via TRAF6 to maintain planarian homeostasis and regeneration. Intl J Biol Macromol. Vol 242 (3), 124932 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124932
4. Wang L, Yang X, Zhao K, Huang S, Qin Y, Chen Z, Hu X, Jin G, Zhou Z*(2024). MOF-mediated acetylation of UHRF1 enhances UHRF1 E3 ligase activity to facilitate DNA methylation maintenance. Cell Reports. 43(3):113908. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113908. PMID: 38446667.
5. Gao G, Li X, Jiang Z, Osorio L, Tang YL, Yu X, Jin G, Zhou Z* (2023). Isthmin-1 (Ism1) modulates renal branching morphogenesis and mesenchyme condensation during early kidney development. Nature Communications.  14, 2378. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-37992-x
6. Zhang L, He Y, Jiang Y, Wu Q, Xie Q, Zou Y, Wu J, Zhang C, Zhou Z*, Bian X*, Jin G* (2023). PRMT1 reverts the immune escape of necroptotic colon cancer through RIP3 methylation. Cell Death Dis 14, 233. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-023-05752-w
7. Peng Q, Luo D, Yang Y, Zhu Y, Luo Q, Chen H, Chen D, Zhou Z and Lu X* (2023). Clinical and immunological features of an APLAID patient caused by a novel mutation in PLCG2. Front. Immunol. 14:1014150. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1014150
8. TL Chu, P Chen, M Kong, T Tan, KY Tsang, Z Zhou, KSE Cheah*. (2023) MMP14 cleaves PTH1R in the chondrocyte derived osteoblast lineage, curbing signaling intensity for proper bone anabolism. eLife https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.82142
9. Zhang L, Yu J, Zheng M, Zhen H, Xie Q, Zhang C, Zhou Z*, Jin G*. (2023). RAGA prevents tumor immune evasion of LUAD by promoting CD47 lysosome degradation. Commun Biol. 6, 211. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-04581-z
10. Guo X, Cao J, Cai JP, Wu J, Huang J, Asthana P, Wong SKK, Ye ZW, Gurung S, Zhang Y, Wang S, Wang Z, Ge X, Kwan HY, Lyu A, Chan KM, Wong N, Huang J, Zhou Z, Bian ZX, Yuan S*, Wong HLX*. (2022). Control of SARS-CoV-2 infection by MT1-MMP-mediated shedding of ACE2. Nat Communications  13(1):7907. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-35590-x.
11. Chow CFW, Zhang S, Fallah S, Che S, Guo X, Wang Z, Ge X, Jiang Z, Zhai L, Lin CY, Kwan HY, Huang T, Lyu A, Zhou Z, Bian Z, Wong HLX. (2022) Body weight regulation via MT1-MMP-mediated cleavage of GFRAL. Nature Metabolism 4, 203-212
12. Wang, Y., Ma, B., Liu, X. Gao G, Che Z, Fan M, Meng S, Zhao X, Sugimura R, Cao Hua, Zhou Z, Xie J* and Lin C*. (2022). ZFP281-BRCA2 prevents R-loop accumulation during DNA replication. Nature Communications 13, 3493. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-31211-9
13. Cao D, Liu Y, Chen X, Liu J, Liu J, Lai W, Li S, Wang W, Zhang W, Xiao D, Yang K, Li B, Zhou Z, Cai CL, Li X, Shou W (2022). Activation of iNKT Cells at the Maternal-Fetal Interface Predisposes Offspring to Cardiac Injury. Circulation. 29;145(13):1032-1035. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.054239. Epub 2022 Mar 28. PMID: 35344410.
14. T Li, W Jin, Y He, Z Zhou*.（2021）Generation of PRMT6 homozygous knockout human embryonic stem cell lines  Stem Cell Research  50, 102136
15. Z Jiang，J Zhou，X Qin，H Zheng,B Gao, X Liu and Z Zhou* (2020). Defective ependymal cell maturation and ciliogenesis leads to hydrocephalus in mice deficient for MT1-MMP. JCI Insight; 5(9): doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.132782e132782  Highlighted in JCI This Month
16. ZCK Chan, HLR Kwan, YS Wong, Z Jiang, Z Zhou, KW Tam, YS Chan, CB Chan CW Lee (2020).   Site-directed MT1-MMP trafficking and surface insertion regulate AChR clustering and remodeling at developing NMJs. eLife, 9, e54379
17. Osório L, Wu X, Wang L, Jiang Z, Neideck C, Sheng G, and Zhou Z*(2019). ISM1 regulates NODAL signaling and asymmetric organ morphogenesis during development. J Cell Biol.  218(7);2388–2402.  DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201801081
18. Z Jiang, W Chen, J Zhou, Q Peng, H Zheng, Y Yuan, H Cui, W Zhao, Xuerong Sun, Z Zhou, X Liu. Identification of COMMD1 as a novel lamin A binding partner. Molecular medicine reports 20 (2), 1790-1796
19. Shi DD, Dong CM, Ho LC, Lam CTW, Zhou XD, Wu EX, Zhou Z, Wang XM & Zhang ZJ. (2018). Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, prevents chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment: Involvement of cytokine modulation and neuroprotection. Neurobiology of Disease, 114, 164- 173.
20. Li T, Wang L, Du Y, Xie S, Yang X, Lian F, Zhou Z*, Qian C* (2018). New Mechanistic Insights into UHRF1-mediated DNMT1 activation in the Maintenance DNA Methylation. Nuclear Acid Res. Reserved place DOI:10.1093/nar/gky104
21. H L Wong, G Jin, R Cao, S Zhang, Y Cao, Z Zhou*(2016). MT1-MMP sheds LYVE-1 on lymphatic endothelial cells and suppresses VEGF-C production to inhibit lymphangiogenesis. Nature Communications  (Impact factor 17.7) ;7:10824. doi: 10.1038/ncomms10824
22. L Osório, F Long, Z Zhou* Uncovering the stem cell hierarchy by genetic lineage tracing in the mammary gland. AIMS Genetics 2016. 3 (2), 130-145
23. Chang JH, Huang YH, Cunningham CM, Han KY, Chang M, Seiki M, Zhou Z, Azar DT. Matrix metalloproteinase 14 modulates signal transduction and angiogenesis in the cornea. Surv Ophthalmol. 2016;61(4):478-97. doi: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2015.11.006.
24. Liu HF, Lu S, Ho PW, Tse HM, Pang S YY, Kung M HW, Ho J WM, Ramsden DB Zhou Z* and Ho SL* (2014).  LRRK2 R1441G mice are more liable to dopamine depletion and locomotor inactivity. Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology. 1(3); 199-208
25. Osório L, Wu X, Zhou Z*. Distinct spatiotemporal expression of ISM1 during mouse and chick development. Cell Cycle. 2014;13(10):1571-82. doi: 10.4161/cc.28494.
26. K Chan, H Wong, G Jin, B Liu, R Cao, Y Cao, K Lehti, K Tryggvason and Z Zhou* (2012). MT1-MMP Inactivates ADAM9 to Regulate FGFR2 Signalling in Calvarial Osteogenesis. Developmental Cell (Impact Factor 13.4) 22(6); 1176-1190   Faculty 1000 F1000 Factor 8.0 must read.
27. H Wong, R Cao, G Jin, K Chan, Y Cao, Z Zhou*.When MT1-MMP Meets ADAMs. Cell Cycle  2012 Aug 1;11(15):2793-8
28. G Jin, F Zhang, K M Chan, H L Wong, B Liu, K Cheah, X Liu, C Mauch, D Liu, Z Zhou*(2011). MT1-MMP cleaves Dll1 to negatively regulate Notch signaling to maintain normal B cell development. EMBO J. 30, 2281 – 2293
29. Sugiyama N, Varjosalo M, Meller P, Lohi J, Chan KM, Zhou Z, Alitalo K, Taipale J, Keski-Oja J, Lehti K (2010).  FGF receptor-4 (FGFR4) polymorphism acts as an activity switch of a membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase-FGFR4 complex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. (Impact Factor 12.779);107(36):15786-91.
30. Gawden-Bone C, Zhou Z, King E, Prescott A, Watts C, Lucocq J (2010). Dendritic cell podosomes are protrusive and invade the extracellular matrix using metalloproteinase MMP-14.  Journal of Cell Science.;123(Pt 9):1427-37.
31. She ZG, Zheng W, Wei YS, Chen HZ, Wang AB, Li HL, Liu G, Zhang R, Liu JJ, Stallcup WB, Zhou Z, Liu DP, Liang CC (2009). Human Paraoxonase Gene Cluster Transgenic Overexpression Represses Atherogenesis and Promotes Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability in ApoE-Null Mice. Circulation Research. (;104(10):1160-8
32. Kandert S, Lüke Y, Kleinhenz T, Neumann S, Lu W, Jaeger VM, Munck M, Wehnert M, Müller CR, Zhou Z, Noegel AA, Dabauvalle MC and Karakesisoglou I  (2007).  Nesprin-2 giant safeguards nuclear envelope architecture in LMNA S143F progeria cells. Human Molecular Genetics; 16(23):2944-2959.
33. West MA, Prescott AR, Chan KM, Zhou Z, Rose-John S, Scheller J, Watts C (2008).   TLR ligand-induced podosome disassembly in dendritic cells is ADAM17 dependent. Journal of Cell Biology;182(5):993-1005.
34. Wang J, Hoshijima M, Lam J, Zhou Z, Jokiel A, Dalton ND, Hultenby K, Ruiz-Lozano P, Ross J Jr, Tryggvason K, Chien KR (2006).  Cardiomyopathy associated with microcirculation dysfunction in laminin alpha 4 chain deficient mice.  Journal of Biol Chem, 6;281(1):213-20.
35. Bjorndahl M, Cao R, Nissen LJ, Clasper S, Johnson LA, Xue Y, Zhou Z, Jackson D, Hansen AJ, Cao Y (2005). Insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 induce lymphangiogenesis in vivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. (Impact Factor 12.779), 102(43):15593-8.
36. P Religa, R Cao, M Bjorndahl, Z Zhou, Z Zhu, and Y Cao (2005). Presence of bone marrow-derived circulating progenitor endothelial cells in the newly formed lymphatic vessels. Blood (Impact Factor 25.6), 106(13), 4184-90
37. Oblander SA, Zhou Z., Galvez BG, Tryggvason K and Apte SS (2005). Distinctive functions of membrane type 1 matrix-metalloprotease (MT1-MMP or MMP-14) in lung and submandibular gland development are independent of its role in pro-MMP-2 activation. Developmental. Biology; (277), 255-269.
38. Zhou Z*, Doi M, Wang J, Cao R, Liu B, Chan KM, Kortesmaa J, Sorokin L, Cao Y, Tryggvason K (2004). Deletion in laminin-8 results in increased tumor neovascularization and metastasis in mice. Cancer Research. (Impact Factor 13.3); 64(12), 4059-4063 *correspondence   Recommended by Faculty 1000 by Lynn Matrisian, F1000 Factor 3.0
39. Zhou Z*, Wang J, Cao R, Morita H, Soininen R, Chan KM, Liu B, Cao Y, Tryggvason K (2004). Impaired angiogenesis, delayed wound healing and retarded tumor growth in Perlecan heparan sulfate deficient mice.  Cancer Research.; 2004; 64(14), 4699-4702  * correspondence
40. Mirastschijski U, Zhou Z., Rollman O, Tryggvason K and Ågren MS (2004).  Wound Healing in Membrane-Type-1 Matrix Metalloproteinase-Deficient Mice. Journal Investigative Dermatology;123(3); 600-603.
41. Franzke C, Tasanen K, Schäcke H, Zhou Z, Tryggvason K, Mauch C, Zigrino P, Sunnarborg S, Lee DC, Fahrenholz F, Bruckner-Tuderman L (2002). Transmembrane Collagen XVII, an Epithelial Adhesion Protein, is Shed from the Cell Surface by ADAMs. EMBO Journal; 21(19):5026-35.
42. Zhou Z, Soininen R, Cao R, Baaklini GY, Rauser RW, Wang J, Cao Y, Tryggvason K (2000). Impaired endochondral ossification and angiogenesis in mice deficient in membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase I.  Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A; 97(8):4052-7.
43. Zhou Z*, Wang J, Han X, Zhou J, Linder S (1998). Up-regulation of human secreted frizzled homolog in apoptosis and its down-regulation in breast tumors. International Journal of Cancer ; 78(1):95-9.

F. Invited Reviews

1. Zheng M, Jin G, Zhou Z*. Post-Translational Modification of Lamins: Mechanisms and Functions. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2022 May 17;10:864191. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2022.864191. PMID: 35656549; PMCID: PMC9152177.
2. Shakhawat, H.M.; Hazrat, Z.; Zhou, Z*. Isthmin—A Multifaceted Protein Family. Cells 2023, 12, 17. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12010017
3. K Zhao, Z Zhou*. Post-translational modifications of nuclear sirtuins. Genome Instability & Disease  2020, 1 (1), 34-45
4. S Ghosh and Z Zhou*. Genetics of progeria, ageing and lamin disorders. Current Opinion in Genetics & Development 2014.
5. S Ghosh, B Liu, and Z Zhou*. Resveratrol activates SIRT1 in a Lamin A-dependent manner. Cell Cycle  2013, 12(6), 872-876. (5-year IF:4.806; Citation: 1)
6. B Liu and Z Zhou*. Activation of SIRT1 by Resveratrol requires lamin A. ageing (Cover, Editorial). 2013, 5(2),94-95 (5-year IF:4.625; Citation:N/A)
7. Liu, Baohua, Raymond KH Yip, and Z Zhou*. Chromatin remodeling, DNA damage repair and ageing. Current Genomics 2012; 13(7): 533-547.
8. Kaeberlein M, Kennedy BK, Liu X, Suh Y, Zhou Z.  Trinations ageing symposium. Mech Ageing Dev. 2011, 132(6);348-352.
9. Ellenberg D, Azar DT, Hallak JA, Tobaigy F, Han KY, Jain S, Zhou Z, Chang JH. Novel aspects of corneal angiogenic and lymphangiogenic privilege.  Prog Retin Eye Res. 2010 29(3):208-48.
10. Liu B, Zhou Z*. Lamin A/C, laminopathies and premature ageing. Histol Histopath 2008, 23:747-763.

1. 2014 - 2017 RGC Collaborative Research Fund (CRF): Regulation of heterochromatin remodeling in DNA repair and ageing.
2. 2013 - 2016 RGC General Research Fund (GRF): Interplay between ADAM15 and MT1-MMP in FGF2-induced angiogenesis.
3. 2011 - 2014 RGC General Research Fund (GRF): Isthmin In Fibroblast Growth Factor Signalling and Nodal Signalling during Embryogenesis and Development. (ongoing)
4. 2013 - 2016 Shenzhen Science and Technology Bureau: Role for MT1-MMP in lymphoangiogenesis.
5. 2013 - 2017 Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Key Basic Research Program: Critical alterations in epigenetics and signalling pathways in accelerated ageing.
6. 2012 - 2016 Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) General Research Fund: MT1-MMP regulates neural stem cells self-renewal and differentiation via Notch signaling.

• Associate Editor (Since 2015 Jan):
  Mutation Research - Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis (Publisher: Elsevier B.V., Amsterdam; ISSN: 0027-5107, Impact Factor 4.44)
• Member of Editorial Board (Since 2013):
  Clinical & Experimental Pharmacology & Physiology (Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc, Malden MA 02148, USA; Online ISSN: 1440-1681, Impact Factor 2.16)
• Academic Editor (Since 2010):
  PLoS One (Publisher: Public Library of Science, San Francisco, USA; eISSN-1932-6203 Impact Factor 4.24)

Postdoctoral Fellows:

• Linsheng WANG, BSc, BBMS HKUMed; PhD, HKUMed
• Ken Sheung Kin WONG, BSc, HKUST; PhD, HKUMed
• Wei JIN, BSc, Sun Yat-sen University; PhD, HKUMed
• Ge GAO, BSc, Sun Yat-Sen University; PhD, HKUMed
• Yiming QIN, BSc, Shandong University; PhD, HKUMed
• Yi HE, BSc, Hong Kong Polytechnic University; PhD, HKUMed
• Ye TIAN, BSc, Wuhan University; PhD, HKUST
• Yang WANG, BSc, Hong Kong Poly University; PhD, HKUST
• Ping ZHANG, BSc, Shandong Agriculture University; PhD, Sun Yat-sen University
• Xusheng ZHANG, BSc Guangdong University of Technology; PhD, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
• Dao LIN, BSc Harbin University of Science & Technology; PhD, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
• Xue SHI, PhD, BSc Nanyang Normal University; PhDChinese Academy of Sciences
• Ying HUANG, PhD, Southern University of Sciences & Technology
• Md Shakhawat HOSEN, BSc, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh; Master of Biomedical Biotechnology, University of Adelaide, Australia; PhD, HKUMed
• Hazrat ZAMAN, BSc, Kohat University of Science & Technology, Pakistan; MSc, University of Punjab, Pakistan; PhD, HKUMed

Postgraduate Students:

• Yee Lo Stella CHEUNG, BSc, HKU; PhD candidate, HKUMed
• Jingchun MA, BSc, BBMS, HKUMed; MSc, Kyoto University; PhD candidate, HKUMed
• Shengshuo HUANG, Shanghai Jiaotong University; MPhil, HKUST; PhD candidate, HKUMed
• Ruixun LU, BMed, Guangzhou Medical University; MMed, Guangzhou Medical University; PhD candidate, HKUMed
• Zhanyu GAO, BSc Nanjing University; MSc, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; PhD candidate, HKUMed
• Ainfei CHEN, BEng, Sichuan University; MSc Sichuan University; PhD candidate, HKUMed
• Zeyu QIU; BSc, BBMS, HKUMed; MPhil candidate, HKUMed

Visiting Scholar:

• Dengpan WU, PhD, Xuzhou Medical University
• Jinlan HUANG, PhD, Xuzhou Medical University

Research Assistant:

• Qizheng MOU, BSc, Melbourne University
• Sin-Ling Tiffany HU, BBMS, HKUMed
• Zixuan ZHANG, BSc, Jilin Agriculture University; MSc, Nanjin University
• Huiling Zheng, BBMS, Guangdong Medical University

• Baohua Liu, PhD student & Postdoc; Professor and Dean, Shenzhen University Medical Center
• Liliana Osorio, Postdoctoral fellow; Paris
• Xavier Wong Hoi Leong, PhD student; Associate Professor, BUHK
• Xi Yang, PhD Student; Senior Scientist, Shanghai
• Shuo Misty Cheung, PhD student; Postdoc, Karolinska Institute
• Shrestha Ghosh, Senior Scientist, Harvard Medical School
• Helen Iok Lou Ieong, PhD student; Postdoc, Macau University
• Fei Long, PhD student; Research Director, Nordia Biotech HK
• Mia Xiaobin HU, PhD student; Investment Director, Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund at Boehringer Ingelheim
• Kaiqiang Zhao, PhD students: Postdoc Fellow; Postdoc in HKU
• Zhixin JIANG, PhD student; Ophthalmologist, Tianjin Eye Hospital
• Xin Qin, Postdoc Fellow; Senior manager, HKSTP
• Kongyang Ma, Postdoc Fellow; Research Associate, HKUMed
• Vaidehi Krishnan, Postdoc Fellow; Assistant Professor IMCB, Singapore
• Maggie Chow, Postdoc Fellow; Lab Chief, HKSTP
• Jiang Li, PhD student; Senior manager, Roche Hong Kong
• Le Zang, PhD student; Assistant Professor, Yale University
• Pauling Chau, MPhil student
• Kui Ming CHAN, BSc, HKUMed; PhD, HKUMed; Associated Professor, City University of Hong Kong
• Guoxiang Jin, PhD student; Professor, South Medical University/ Guanggong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangzhou
• Jin Zhou, PhD student; Senior Director, Roche, Shanghai
• Zimei Wang, Postdoc Fellow; Professor, Associate Dean, Shengzhen University School of Medicine
• Tuo Li, Postdoc Fellow; Professor, Changzheng Hospital; Shanghai
• Qiuxiang PANG, Visiting Scientist; Professor & Director; Research Services, Shandong University of Science & Technology
• Zhihong CHEN, Postdoct Fellow; First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University
• Juergen Scharner, MPhil student; University College London

Postdoctoral Positions available in the areas of stem cells, development and ageing

Several positions for postdoctoral fellow or senior research assistants are available immediately. The positions are initially for two years with possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance.

Applicants should possess either PhD in biomedical sciences or MD degree. Candidates with background of developmental biology, stem cells, organoid, regenerative medicine, cardiac damage and repair, functional genomics, bioinformatics, or single cell omics are strongly encouraged to apply. The appointees are expected to work independently as well as collaboratively with a group of scientists in Universities, Research Institutes and Industries to develop new strategies to fight against degenerative diseases as well as cancer.

Enquiries about the posts should be sent to zhongjun@hku.hk.

A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experiences will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. Candidate should sent their application together with updated CV to zhongjun@hku.hk.