James Zheng PhD
Overview
We study the cell biology of nerve cells with a specific focus on the signal transduction and cytoskeletal mechanisms underlying neural development, disorders, and regeneration. Three major areas are being pursued in our lab: 1- axonal growth and guidance; 2- synapse formation and plasticity; and 3- intracellular trafficking. Our research employs some unique experimental approaches that combine sophisticated molecular/cellular imaging and powerful molecular manipulation to perform functional analyses of neurons at single molecule level. Our goal is to not only gain a mechanistic understanding of the molecular and cellular aspects of neuronal structure and function, but also provide insights into the cellular basis for brain abnormality and disorders. It is our hope that these basic studies will build the foundation for the development of potential strategies and treatments to promote regeneration and repair of damaged neuronal circuitry after neural injuries and degeneration.
Academic Appointment
- Professor, Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine
- Professor with tenure, Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine
Education
Degrees
- PhD from Tsinghua University
- BS from Tsinghua University
Research
Focus
- Precisely-wired neuronal circuitry underlies the proper and complex functions of the nervous system. We investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying a variety of developmental events that lead to the construction of the complex nervous system. Our current focus is on the signal transduction and cytoskeletal mechanisms underlying neuronal migration, axon growth and guidance, and synaptic plasticity.
Publications
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A Critical Role for the Fascin Family of Actin Bundling Proteins in Axon Development, Brain Wiring and Function.
bioRxiv
05/07/2025 Authors: Hardin KR; Penas AB; Joubert S; Ye C; Myers KR; Zheng JQ -
Adverse impact of female reproductive signaling on age-dependent neurodegeneration after mild head trauma in Drosophila.
08/30/2024 Authors: Ye C; Ho R; Moberg KH; Zheng JQ -
Sexual Dimorphism in Age-Dependent Neurodegeneration After Mild Head Trauma in Drosophila : Unveiling the Adverse Impact of Female Reproductive Signaling.
06/25/2024 Authors: Ye C; Ho R; Moberg KH; Zheng JQ -
An enhancer-AAV approach selectively targeting dentate granule cells of the mouse hippocampus.
Cell Rep Methods Volume: 4 Page(s): 100684
01/22/2024 Authors: Banks E; Gutekunst C-A; Vargish GA; Eaton A; Pelkey KA; McBain CJ; Zheng JQ; Olh VJ; Rowan MJM -
A novel enhancer-AAV approach selectively targeting dentate granule cells.
bioRxiv
05/11/2023 Authors: Banks E; Gutekunst C-A; Vargish GA; Eaton A; Pelkey KA; McBain CJ; Zheng JQ; Olh VJ; Rowan MJ -
Drosophila melanogaster as a model to study age and sex differences in brain injury and neurodegeneration after mild head trauma.
Front Neurosci Volume: 17 Page(s): 1150694
01/01/2023 Authors: Ye C; Behnke JA; Hardin KR; Zheng JQ -
Characterizing spontaneous Ca2+ local transients inOPCs using computational modeling.
Biophys J Volume: 121 Page(s): 4419 - 4432
12/06/2022 Authors: Oprea L; Desjardins N; Jiang X; Sareen K; Zheng JQ; Khadra A -
Signal amplification in growth cone gradient sensing by a double negative feedback loop among PTEN, PI(3,4,5)P3 and actomyosin.
Mol Cell Neurosci Volume: 123 Page(s): 103772
12/01/2022 Authors: Li X; Shim S; Hardin KR; Vanaja KG; Song H; Levchenko A; Ming G-L; Zheng JQ -
Virally Mediated Connexin 26 Expression in Postnatal Scala Media Significantly and Transiently Preserves Hearing in Connexin 30 Null Mice.
Front Cell Dev Biol Volume: 10 Page(s): 900416
01/01/2022 Authors: Zhang L; Wang W; Kim SM; Wang J; Zhou B; Kong W; Zheng J; Lin X -
Corrigendum: Virally mediated connexin 26 expression in postnatal scala media significantly and transiently preserves hearing in connexin 30 null mice.
Front Cell Dev Biol Volume: 10 Page(s): 969989
01/01/2022 Authors: Zhang L; Wang W; Kim SM; Wang J; Zhou B; Kong W; Zheng J; Lin X