Biographical Info

Research Areas

The Zhou laboratory is interested in the mechanisms mediating cell-cell communication and their roles in normal development, physiology, and diseases. Specifically the Zhou laboratory is investigating the functions of a large family of tyrosine kinase receptors, the Ephs, and their ligands, the ephrins, in neural circuit formation, eye development, and behavior regulations including motor activity, circadian rhythm, and aggression. The Zhou laboratory employs both in vitro and in vivo techniques, including neuron cultures, transgenic and knockout mice, as well as behavior assays.

Research Highlights

Demonstration of a repulsive function of ephrins in axon guidance

Discovering signal transduction pathways mediating ephrin-induced growth cone guidance

Establishing a novel cataract mouse model

Elucidating regulation of cell-cell adhesion by ephrins

Scholarly Activities

Member of editorial board: Neuroscience Bulletin; Cell & Bioscience

Membership in: AAAS, Society of Neuroscice, ARVO

Recent Publications

1. Niu, Y, Wei, J, Zhu, J, Feng, H, Ren, Y, Guo, Z, Zhang, J, Zhou, R, She, Y, Wang, Z et al.. Study on the mechanism of glucose-lowering and sweetening of key sweet aroma compounds in sweet orange. Food Res Int. 2024;196 :114874. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114874. PubMed PMID:39614462
2. Kou, R, Li, Z, Li, M, Zhou, R, Zhu, F, Ruan, W, Zhang, J. Comparative effectiveness of physical exercise interventions on sociability and communication in children and adolescents with autism: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMC Psychol. 2024;12 (1):712. doi: 10.1186/s40359-024-02210-w. PubMed PMID:39614353 PubMed Central PMC11607877
3. Zhou, R, Wang, J, Wang, A, Wang, S, Li, Y, Xu, S, Mo, W. Hereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura mimicking immune thrombocytopenia was revealed by miscarriage-novel compound heterozygous mutations in hTTP. BMC Med Genomics. 2024;17 (1):281. doi: 10.1186/s12920-024-02051-x. PubMed PMID:39614241 PubMed Central PMC11605861
4. Liu, Y, Zhou, R, Tang, Y, Li, X, Xu, L, Fu, Y. Enhanced Mn(II)/peracetic acid by nitrilotriacetic acid to degrade organic contaminants: Role of Mn(V) and organic radicals. Sci Rep. 2024;14 (1):29686. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-81368-0. PubMed PMID:39613929 PubMed Central PMC11607386
5. Lin, L, Lin, H, Zhou, R, Liu, B, Liu, K, Jiang, R. Surviving and thriving: Assessing quality of life and psychosocial interventions in mental health of head and neck cancer patients. Asian J Surg. 2024; :. doi: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.11.048. PubMed PMID:39613637
6. Zhou, R, Qu, J, Liu, X, Lin, F, Ohulchanskyy, TY, Alifu, N, Qu, J, Yin, DC. Biopharmaceutical drug delivery and phototherapy using protein crystals. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2024; :115480. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115480. PubMed PMID:39613032
7. Zhou, R, Wu, X, Xue, S, Yin, L, Gao, S, Zhang, Y, Wang, C, Wang, Y, El-Seedi, HR, Zou, X et al.. Magnetic metal-organic frameworks-based ratiometric SERS aptasensor for sensitive detection of patulin in apples. Food Chem. 2024;466 :142200. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.142200. PubMed PMID:39612841