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Zheng Laboratory

X. Long Zheng portraitX. Long Zheng, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor
Russell J. Eilers, M.D., Endowed Chair
Service Chief, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

M.D.:  Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
Ph.D.: Medical University of Vienna, Austria

Residency: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Transfusion Medicine/Hemostasis, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

Dr. Zheng's laboratory is interested in understanding the mechanisms of normal and abnormal blood coagulation, inflammation, and vascular biology. In particular, he and his colleagues focus on elucidating the pathogenesis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a potentially fatal syndrome. Deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 metalloprotease is the primary cause. ADAMTS13 is an enzyme that cleaves von Willebrand factor (VWF), an adhesion protein that helps agglutinate platelets for hemostasis. Deficiency of this enzyme leads to exaggerated platelet agglutination and the formation of microvascular thrombosis throughout the body, resulting in death. Current treatment is whole body plasma exchange. Dr. Zheng was among the first group of investigators who first discovered and cloned ADAMTS13 protease. In the past decade, Dr. Zheng's lab has made major contribution in determining the structure-function relationship and cofactor-dependent regulation of ADAMTS13. His lab is committed to develop novel tools for diagnosis and treatment of TTP. Potential rotation projects for graduate students include: a) Structure-function relationship of ADAMTS13; b) cofactor-dependent regulation of ADAMTS13 function; c) novel assay development for diagnosis of TTP; d) the role of systemic inflammation in pathogenesis of TTP; e) AAV-mediated gene therapy for hereditary and acquired TTP. Techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry/biophysics, and cell biology, as well as animal models are all commonly used in the laboratory. 

Contact Us

Principal Investigator

X. Long Zheng, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor and Russell J. Eilers, M.D. Endowed Chair
Department Chair and Service Chief
Email: xzheng2@kumc.edu 
Lab Phone: 913-588-0832

KU School of Medicine

University of Kansas Medical Center
Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Mail Stop 3045
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Kansas City, KS 66160
Phone: 913-588-7070
Fax: 913-588-7073