Zhang studies the role of immune cells called macrophages in tumor growth and metastasis in the abdominal cavity.
Zhang received his B.S. in microbiology and immunology from Shandong University, China, and a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He completed his postdoctoral training in the Department of Pathology and Immunology of Washington University School of Medicine and joined The Wistar Institute in 2021 as an assistant professor.
The Zhang Laboratory
Macrophages are currently considered as highly heterogenous and plastic with different developmental origins and microenvironmental signatures.
The Zhang lab focuses on understanding how macrophages regulate tumor growth and metastasis in the peritoneal space. We use single-cell sequencing, ATAC sequencing, large-scale imaging, multiphoton intravital imaging, novel genetic mouse models, and patient samples to understand how different subsets of macrophages function differently in mice and in humans. Our long-term goal is to develop novel macrophage-based immunotherapies to treat peritoneal cancers.
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Postdoctoral Fellows
Brennah Murphy, Ph.D.
Taito Miyamoto, Ph.D. -
Graduate Student
Bryan Manning (USciences)
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Postdoctoral fellow/research assistant positions are available in the Zhang laboratory with a research focus on peritoneal immunity against carcinomatosis using mouse models.
Candidates should have recently received or be close to obtaining their Ph.D. degree or equivalent (for postdoc) or B.S. degree or equivalent (for RA) and have a strong background in one or more of the following disciplines: immunology, tumor microenvironment, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Interested applicants are invited to email nzhang@wistar.org.
Research
Current projects in the lab include:
- Heterogeneity and origins of macrophages during peritoneal carcinomatosis.
- Activation of macrophages against tumor progression.
- Tissue-specific functions and microenvironment of peritoneal macrophages.
-
Postdoctoral Fellows
Brennah Murphy, Ph.D.
Taito Miyamoto, Ph.D. -
Graduate Student
Bryan Manning (USciences)
-
Postdoctoral fellow/research assistant positions are available in the Zhang laboratory with a research focus on peritoneal immunity against carcinomatosis using mouse models.
Candidates should have recently received or be close to obtaining their Ph.D. degree or equivalent (for postdoc) or B.S. degree or equivalent (for RA) and have a strong background in one or more of the following disciplines: immunology, tumor microenvironment, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Interested applicants are invited to email nzhang@wistar.org.
