Lab Projects

The Zhou Lab Conducts Biomedical Dynamics Research (BDR) on Birth Defects and Regeneration (BDR)

The developmentally dynamic organogenesis is regulated by several inductive factors, such as Wnts. It is also regulated by epigenetics. Incorrect activity and timing of these signaling pathways or epigenetic regulations during early development may result in embryonic death or severe birth defects. We are investigating the mechanism and prevention of birth defects mainly using Wnt signaling and epigenetic mutant mice as the research models. We are also investigating the roles of Wnt signaling and epigenetics in stem cell/progenitor renewal and regeneration processes in order to enhance their therapeutic potential.

• From the aspect of congenital disease, we are investigating the mechanism and prevention of several major birth defects related to tissue closure and patterning in Wnt signaling mutant animal models, such as:
  • Orofacial cleft (OFC), defective tissue closure in the upper lip, palate, and related orofacial structures, including cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CLP) and isolated cleft palate;
  • Neural tube defect (NTD), defective closure of the neural tube (the precursor of brain and spinal cord), including spina bifida (open spine) and exencephaly (open skull/brain);
  • and related congenital disorders in several major organs, including the brain, heart, limb, kidney and the urogenital system.
• From the aspect of stem cell biology, we are addressing the roles of Wnt signaling and epigenetics in tissue/organ-specific stem cells and progenitors, including neural crest stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, neural stem cells and glia during development and regeneration.