Xiaohua Zhang

Life Science Research Professional with 18 years experience in life science biomedical cancer research, neuroscience research, bioinformatics and Crisper Cas9 mediated gene editing and transgenesis

Life Science Research Professional - School of Medicine, Stanford University - Stanford, CA

(2009-09)

Research Associate - Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI

(2004-08 - 2009-08)

Research Professional - Stanford transgenic Core, Dr. Zeng's group - Stanford, CA

(2019)

This core facility provides genome editing, transgenic mouse line generation, and tumor model services to Stanford laboratories and industry partners. I have gained hands-on experience with gene-editing technologies, including PhiC31 integrase mRNA and Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery, and contributed to the generation of transgenic mice with knockouts, knock-ins, point mutations, and deletions.

• Genotyping, gel purification, sequencing, RNP and gRNA validation
• Construct verification and purification
• Supporting the development and validation of genome-edited models

Research Professional - Department of Neuroscience, Dr. Longo's lab - Stanford, CA

(2017 - 2019)

Modeling Huntington's Disease Using Patient-Derived iPSCs and Neurotrophic Signaling. I contributed to the culturing of Huntington's disease patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), including their proliferation, differentiation, and maturation. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was used as a key neurotrophic factor during neuronal development.

Neurotrophic factors play essential roles in the growth, survival, and maintenance of neurons throughout development and adulthood and represent promising therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Understanding the role of BDNF in Huntington's disease is critical for the development of effective therapeutic strategies.

Research Professional - Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Dr. Sakamoto's lab - Stanford, CA

(2015 - 2017)

Targeting the CREB-CBP Interaction for Therapeutic Development in Cancer. My research contributions included evaluating CREB and phospho-CREB (pCREB) expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in neuroblastoma cells; performing small-molecule screening for CREB inhibitors using IC50 determination, methylcellulose colony assays, and additional functional assays; and conducting pharmacokinetic studies of CREB inhibitors in mouse plasma following intravenous administration using mass spectrometry.

• Laboratory manager overseeing the lab budget
• Organizing lab meetings, journal clubs, and small-molecule group meetings
• Presenting research data
• Ensuring compliance with institutional regulations and inspections

Research Professional - The institute of stem cell and tissue regenerative medicine, Dr. Majeti's lab - Stanford, CA

(2011 - 2015)

Development of a Humanized Bone Marrow Niche for Xenografting Human Hematologic Malignancies. I have helped the development of a Humanized Niche for Xenografting of Human Hematologic Malignancies. Here we developed a novel mouse model bearing a subcutaneously accessible human bone ossicle formed by in situ differentiation of BM-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs).

These human ossicles contain a functional humanized BM niche that facilitates robust engraftment of normal human HSPCs and exhibits superior engraftment and expansion of primary AML.

Laboratory Manager - Department of Bio engineering/Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Yang's Lab - Stanford, CA

(2009 - 2011)

Stem Cell-Based Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Therapy Development. I worked as a laboratory manager and supported a new investigator, Dr. Fan Yang, in establishing her laboratory at Stanford University.

My responsibilities included overseeing lab setup and operations, as well as culturing adipose-derived stem cells and human embryonic stem cells. The laboratory's research focuses on developing regenerative therapies for tissues lost to disease or aging and on building engineered 3D tissue models to study disease progression and inform drug discovery. The lab integrates biomaterials and engineering tools to elucidate and modulate biological processes, while leveraging biological insights to guide materials and engineering design.

Research Associate - Eastern Michigan University Bioinformatics program/ Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan - Michigan

(2008-01 - 2008-05)

A comparison of cortex and lymphoblastoid expression levels with regard to cis regulation

Research Associate - University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Keller's Lab - Ann Arbor, MI

(2004-06 - 2009-09)

Using SELEX method to screen the aptamers against cancer metastasis. I worked for five years at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center in Dr. Keller's group, where our research focused on prostate cancer metastasis, with particular emphasis on bone metastasis and the tumor microenvironment.

In addition to supporting collaborative projects, I conducted independent research using the SELEX method to screen aptamers targeting metastatic cancer cells. Lead aptamer candidates were identified, selected based on abundance, and synthesized for subsequent in vivo evaluation using bioluminescence imaging.

• Defining the role of osteoclastic activity in prostate cancer metastasis and demonstrating the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway, supporting the clinical use of the RANKL inhibitor denosumab
• Identifying Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) as a novel metastasis suppressor gene
• Establishing the importance of Wnt signaling in bone metastasis
• Defining interleukin-6 as a contributor to castration-resistant prostate cancer

Master of Science - Bioinformatics - Eastern Michigan University (2008 - 2008)

Bachelor of Science - Biology science, Business, Language arts - Eastern Michigan University (2004 - 2004)