2003 to 2010 Ph.D. The Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

1999 to 2003 B.A. Nanjing Agricultural University, China

• 2019 to date, Assistant Professor at WKU
• 2018 to 2019 Program Manager of Mount Vernon Pipeline to College Partnership Program with Lehman College, CUNY
• 2011 to 2019 Research Assistant Professor, Postdoctoral Researcher and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Lehman College, CUNY
  Course:Bio166 Cells and Genes, Bio167 Organisms, Bio230 Microbiology, Bio238 Genetics, Bio331 Experimental Microbiology.
• 2017 to 2019 Adjunct Assistant Professor at Mercy College, New York
  Course: BIOL160 General Biology, BIOL265 Microbiology, BIO360 Genetics.
• 2010 to 2011 Postdoctoral Researcher at Georgia Institute of Technology

• General Biology (Bio1000 and Bio1400)
• Microbiology (Bio3315 and Bio3315L, Zhejiang Provincial First Rate Course of Year 2022，浙江省线下一流课程)
• Cell Biology (Bio 4236)
• Foundations of Environmental Science (Env 1100)
• Molecular Biology of Cancer (STME5310)
• Advanced Molecular & Cellular Tech (STME5170)
• Capstone Course, Seminar in Integrative Biology (Bio4970)

Rho-Pol II signaling in eukaryotes

Our research has uncovered a novel Rho-Pol II signaling pathway that is highly conserved across eukaryotes. While Rho GTPases—such as Rho, Cdc42, Rac, and the plant ROP subfamilies—are primarily recognized for their role in regulating the cytoskeleton, they also function as pivotal regulators in the transcriptional control by RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Traditionally, upstream signals are amplified through the MAP kinase cascade, which ultimately leads to the recruitment of Pol II to facilitate transcription. In contrast, our newly established model bypasses this by directly targeting the phosphorylation status of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of Pol II. This direct modulation results in rapid and large-scale shifts in gene expression. Additionally, our findings indicate that cell morphogenesis is predominantly governed by CTD activity, with alterations in CTD phosphorylation significantly impacting cell morphology. Given the importance of morphogenesis in early carcinogenesis, our focus is on identifying the factors that maintain the balance between cell morphology and transcriptional regulation, which could hold potential for novel therapeutic interventions.

Due to the high level of rigor in literature review, phenotypic analysis, and experimental techniques required, this project is only open to students who meet the following criteria: proficient in English, maintain a GPA above 3.0, exhibit excellent time management skills, possess a deep passion for research, and demonstrate strong interest in molecular and cell biology, signal transduction, genetics, biochemistry, and bioinformatics.

Host-Microbe Interaction

1. Pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD)
   AD is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, characterized by pruritic eczematous lesions, that affects millions worldwide. The pathogenesis of AD is believed to involve a complex interplay between skin barrier integrity, internal inflammatory responses, and external microbial communities. Our research focuses on two key areas:
   • The role of microbes in AD pathogenesis: Building upon an incidental discovery from the BIO3315 laboratory course and through collaboration with hospitals, we have identified additional bacterial species beyond Staphylococcus aureus that are highly correlated with AD. At present, we are investigating the pathogenic mechanisms using cell-based models.
   • Filaggrin (FLG) mutations and dysregulation: FLG represents one of the most significant genetic predispositions for AD. However, the study of FLG has been challenging due to the gene’s substantial length, repetitive structure, and intricate hydrolytic regulation. Our lab has pioneered a novel methodology that overcomes these challenges, enabling the efficient screening of FLG mutations and the exploration of their hydrolytic mechanisms.
   This AD project, an original WKU research initiative, is led primarily by undergraduate students. The project is open only to those proficient in English, able to maintain a GPA above 3.0, and demonstrate a strong interest in genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics.
2. RSI invasion switch
   The α-Proteobacteria RSI invasion switch is critical in the invasion and symbiosis processes of Agrobacterium, Rhizobium, Brucella, and Bartonella. The ExoR protein, a central player in the RSI switch, will be the subject of detailed biochemical and in vivo studies. This project, which originated at MIT, is conducted in collaboration with Professor Haiping Chen at CUNY. All research progress in our lab has been achieved by WKU undergraduate students. Like other projects, this one is open to students who are proficient in English, maintain a GPA above 3.0, and have a deep interest in microbiology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics.

Joining our research

All current research projects in the lab are exclusively open to undergraduates. For graduate students interested in our research, thorough reading of relevant literature is expected prior to contacting us. Your knowledge and experimental skills will be assessed through both written and practical evaluations. Please carefully evaluate your readiness before reaching out.

无热爱，不科研!

"No passion, no research"—please refrain from inquiring if you lack dedication.

• 2010, Liyuehua Zhu Outstanding Doctoral Award (Chinese Academy of Sciences)
• 2010, Yihai-Kerry Enterprises Award (The Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology)

  Student awards

• 1. 1. 1. Chen Chen, Jinyang Jiang, Qizhen Zhong, 2023 8th National Life Science Competition, National third prize.  
        2. Shiqi Jin, Xindi Zou, Keshuo Luo, Ziyu Zhang, and Bingyan Yuan, 2023 8th National Life Science Competition, Zhejiang Provincial third prize.  
        3. Chen Chen and Jinyang Jiang. Best oral presentation award in 2023 WKU Student Research Day.  
        4. Zhonghao Chen and Shiqi Jin. Best oral presentation award in 2022 WKU Student Research Day.  
        5. Changyi Sun. Best oral presentation award in 2021 WKU Student Research Day.  

1. Zhou, X., Zhang, B*. (2024). Enhancing Microbiology Laboratory Course: A Practical Approach to Project-Based Learning via Skin Bacteria Analysis. The American Biology Teacher. (*Corresponding author, in press)
2. Zhou, X., Xu, Y., Zeng, Y., X., & Zhang, B*. (2024). Revamping of Microbiology laboratory teaching in universities through project-based learning. Microbiology China, 51(4), 1281-1289. (*Corresponding author)
3. Zhang, B., Zhong, X., Sauane, M., Zhao, Y., & Zheng, Z. L. (2020). Modulation of the Pol II CTD Phosphorylation Code by Rac1 and Cdc42 Small GTPases in Cultured Human Cancer Cells and Its Implication for Developing a Synthetic-Lethal Cancer Therapy. Cells, 9(3), 621
4. Gharbaran, R., Zhang, B., Valerio, L., Onwumere, O., Wong, M., Mighty, J., & Redenti, S. (2019). Effects of vitamin D3 and its chemical analogs on the growth of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, in vitro. BMC research notes,12(1), 216.
5. Zhang, B., Yang, G., Chen, Y., Zhao, Y., Gao, P., Liu, B., … & Zheng, Z. L. (2016). C-terminal domain (CTD) phosphatase links Rho GTPase signaling to Pol II CTD phosphorylation in Arabidopsis and yeast. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 201605871.
6. Zheng, Z. L., Zhang, B., & Leustek, T. (2014). Transceptors at the boundary of nutrient transporters and receptors: a new role for Arabidopsis SULTR1; 2 in sulfur sensing. Frontiers in plant science, 5.
7. Zhang, B., Pasini, R., Dan, H., Joshi, N., Zhao, Y., Leustek, T., & Zheng, Z. L. (2014). Aberrant gene expression in the Arabidopsis SULTR1; 2 mutants suggests a possible regulatory role for this sulfate transporter in response to sulfur nutrient status. The Plant Journal, 77(2), 185-197.
8. Wuriyanghan, H^#., Zhang, B^#., Cao, W. H^#., Ma, B., Lei, G., Liu, Y. F., … & Cao, Y. R. (2009). The ethylene receptor ETR2 delays floral transition and affects starch accumulation in rice. The Plant Cell, 21(5), 1473-1494. (^#: co-first author)

1. Bo Zhang, “Roles of a protein kinase gene in plant ethylene response and stress responses in Arabidopsis”  (2009 NAIST Global COE International Student Workshop and GCOE International Symposium, 2009, Japan.)

2. Bo Zhang, “Arabidopsis NIMA-related Kinase Regulates Organ Size and Stress Tolerance and Interacts with Ethylene Signaling”  (Peking University, 2010, China)

3. Bo Zhang, “Rho GTPase, a Smart Regulator Beyond Cytoskeleton”  (Wuhan University, 2017, China)

4. Bo Zhang, “C-terminal domain (CTD) phosphatase links Rho GTPase signaling to Pol II CTD phosphorylation in Yeasts, Arabidopsis and Human” (Huazhong Agricultural University, 2017, China)