X. 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

Zheng lab is interested in biology of ADAMTS13 and VWF and pathogenesis of TTP and preeclampsia. For more information, please send email to: xzheng2@kumc.edu

Current Research Focus

Zheng's laboratory is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of normal and abnormal blood coagulation, inflammation, and vascular biology. In particular, his lab focuses on the biology of ADAMTS13 and von Willebrand factor (VWF), as well as the pathogenesis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and preeclampsia. ADAMTS13 is plasma metalloenzyme that cleaves VWF, an adhesion protein that helps agglutinate platelets for hemostasis. Deficiency of this metalloenzyme leads to the exaggerated platelet agglutination and the formation of occlusive microvascular thrombosis throughout the body, resulting in TTP and preeclampsia. Current treatment for TTP is whole body plasma exchange plus anti-VWF nanobody (caplacizumab) and immunosuppression (steroids and rituximab). Imbalance of ADAMTS13/VWF predisposes to preeclampsia, a severe pregnancy-associated complication. Our lab is in the forefront of studying ADAMTS13, VWF, TTP and preeclampsia. In the past decade, we have made major contributions in understanding the structure-function relationship and cofactor-dependent regulation of ADAMTS13. Our lab is committed to develop novel tools for diagnosis and treatment of TTP. Potential research projects for the graduate students and postdoctoral fellows include but not limited to: a) Structure-function relationship of ADAMTS13; b) cofactor-dependent regulation of ADAMTS13 function; c) novel assay development for diagnosis of TTP and preeclampsia; d) the role of systemic inflammation in pathogenesis of TTP and preeclampsia; e) AAV-mediated gene therapy for TTP and preeclampsia; f) various animal models of TTP and preeclampsia. Techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry/biophysics, and cell biology, as well as animal models with intravital microscopic imaging are all commonly used in the laboratory.