Heng Zhao

Prof. Heng Zhao

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 January 2024 in Theranostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JWJiaqi Wang
Jiaqi Wang
TLTao Lv
Tao Lv
FJFeng Jia
Feng Jia
YLYang Li
Yang Li
WMWeiwei Ma
Weiwei Ma
QHQin Hu
Qin Hu
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) induced acute impairment of the glymphatic system, but few have investigated the dysfunction of the meningeal lymphatic system and their contribution to the pathophysiology of SAH. In addition, most studies were conducted in rodent animals. We aimed to investigate the impact of SAH on glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic function in a large animal model using beagles and to evaluate the effects of intermittent cistern magna CSF drainage on these systems.

1 January 2024 in Theranostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
YWYan Wang
Yan Wang
QYQianqian Yin
Qianqian Yin
DYDecao Yang
Decao Yang
HJHaojie Jin
Haojie Jin
YYYang Yao
Yang Yao
HZHeng Zhao
Heng Zhao
Rationale: Ischemic stroke poses a significant health burden with limited treatment options. Lymphocyte Cytosolic Protein 1 (LCP1) facilitates cell migration and immune responses by aiding in actin polymerization, cytoskeletal rearrangements, and phagocytosis. We have demonstrated that the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Maclpil silencing in monocyte-derived macrophages (MoDMs) led to LCP1 inhibition, reducing ischemic brain damage. However, the role of LCP1 of MoDMs in ischemic stroke remains unknown.

1 January 2024 in Aging and disease
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SHShan He
Shan He
CLCuiying Liu
Cuiying Liu
CRChanghong Ren
Changhong Ren
HZHeng Zhao
Heng Zhao
XZXuxiang Zhang
Xuxiang Zhang
Retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) is a complex condition characterized by immune cell-mediated inflammation and consequent neuronal damage. This review delves into the immune response mechanisms in RIRI, particularly emphasizing the roles played by resident and peripheral immune cells. It highlights the pivotal role of microglia, the primary resident immune cells, in exacerbating neuroinflammation and neuronal damage through their activation and subsequent release of pro-inflammatory mediators. Additionally, the review explores the contributions of other glial cell types, such as astrocytes and Müller cells, in modulating the immune response within the retinal environment. The dual role of the complement system in RIRI is also examined, revealing its complex functions in both safeguarding and impairing retinal health. Inflammasomes, triggered by various danger signals, are discussed as crucial contributors to the inflammatory pathways in RIRI, with an emphasis on the involvement of different NOD-like receptor family proteins. The review further analyzes the infiltration and impact of peripheral immune cells like neutrophils, macrophages, and T cells, which migrate to the retina following ischemic injury. Critical to this discussion is the interplay between resident and peripheral immune cells and its implications for RIRI pathophysiology. Finally, the review outlines future research directions, focusing on basic research and the potential for clinical translation to enhance understanding and treatment of RIRI.

1 January 2023 in Aging and disease
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SZSiyu Zhang
Siyu Zhang
CLCuiying Liu
Cuiying Liu
JSJintao Sun
Jintao Sun
YLYang Li
Yang Li
JLJian Lu
Jian Lu
HZHongmei Zhou
Hongmei Zhou
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a cluster of cognitive problems that may arise after surgery. POCD symptoms include memory loss, focus inattention, and communication difficulties. Inflammasomes, intracellular multiprotein complexes that control inflammation, may have a significant role in the development of POCD. It has been postulated that the NLRP3 inflammasome promotes cognitive impairment by triggering the inflammatory response in the brain. Nevertheless, there are many gaps in the current literature to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and develop future therapy. This review article underlines the limits of our current knowledge about the NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) inflammasome and POCD. We first discuss inflammasomes and their types, structures, and functions, then summarize recent evidence of the NLRP3 inflammasome's involvement in POCD. Next, we propose a hypothesis that suggests the involvement of inflammasomes in multiple organs, including local surgical sites, blood circulation, and other peripheral organs, leading to systemic inflammation and subsequent neuronal dysfunction in the brain, resulting in POCD. Research directions are then discussed, including analyses of inflammasomes in more clinical POCD animal models and clinical trials, studies of inflammasome types that are involved in POCD, and investigations into whether inflammasomes occur at the surgical site, in circulating blood, and in peripheral organs. Finally, we discuss the potential benefits of using new technologies and approaches to study inflammasomes in POCD. A thorough investigation of inflammasomes in POCD might substantially affect clinical practice.

27 November 2024 in Experimental Neurology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
CLCuiying Liu
Cuiying Liu
JGJiayi Guo
Jiayi Guo
LGLongfei Guan
Longfei Guan
CLchenyang Li
chenyang Li
XHXiaoyan Hu
Xiaoyan Hu
HZHeng Zhao
Heng Zhao

31 October 2024 in Biomolecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SLShanpeng Liu
Shanpeng Liu
QWQike Wu
Qike Wu
CXCan Xu
Can Xu
LWLiping Wang
Liping Wang
JWJialing Wang
Jialing Wang
HZHeng Zhao
Heng Zhao
Background and Objective: Stroke poses a critical health issue without effective neuroprotection. We explore ischemic postconditioning’s (IPostC) potential to mitigate stroke-induced brain injury, focusing on its interaction with disulfidptosis, a novel cell death pathway marked by protein disulfide accumulation. We aim to clarify IPostC’s protective mechanisms against stroke through gene sequencing and experimental analysis in mice. Methods: Through our initial investigation, we identified 27 disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) and uncovered their interactions. Additionally, differential gene analysis revealed 11 potential candidate genes that are linked to disulfidptosis, stroke, and IPostC. Our comprehensive study employed various analytical approaches, including machine learning, functional enrichment analysis, immune analysis, drug sensitivity analysis, and qPCR experiments, to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes. Results: Our study identified and expanded the list of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) critical to stroke, revealing key genes and their interactions. Through bioinformatics analyses, including PCA, UMAP, and differential gene expression, we were able to differentiate the effects of stroke from those of postconditioning, identifying Peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) as a key gene of interest. GSEA highlighted PRDX1’s involvement in protective pathways against ischemic damage, while its correlations with various proteins suggest a broad impact on stroke pathology. Constructing a ceRNA network and analyzing drug sensitivities, we explored PRDX1’s regulatory mechanisms, proposing novel therapeutic avenues. Additionally, our immune infiltration analysis linked PRDX1 to key immune cells, underscoring its dual role in stroke progression and recovery. PRDX1 is identified as a key target in ischemic stroke based on colocalization analysis, which revealed that PRDX1 and ischemic stroke share the causal variant rs17522918. The causal relationship between PRDX1-related methylation sites (cg02631906 and cg08483560) and the risk of ischemic stroke further validates PRDX1 as a crucial target. Conclusions: These results suggest that the DRGs are interconnected with various cell death pathways and immune processes, potentially contributing to IPostC regulating cell death mechanisms in stroke.