Xiangming Zha, PhD

Professor of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center

Phone
504-988-7127
School of Medicine
Department
Neurosurgery
Clinical Neuroscience Research Center
Clinical Neuroscience Research
X Zha

Education & Affiliations

University of Iowa, PhD
Shanghai Brain Research Institute, MS
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, BS

Biography

Dr. Zha received his postdoctoral training at Cell Signaling Technology and University of Iowa/Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Prior to joining Tulane, he was a faculty member at University of South Alabama (2009-2021) and University of Missouri Kansas City (2021-24). Dr. Zha’s research focuses on brain acid signaling, mediated by acid sensitive ion channels and G protein-coupled receptors, in ischemic stroke, cerebrovascular function, and cognitive impairment. His research is supported by NIH and AHA grants. Through his tenure, Dr. Zha has taught multiple courses to medical students, graduate students, and pharmacy students. He has reviewed regularly for NIH and AHA study sections and scientific journals.

Contributions

1. Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs). ASICs are the main acid-sensitive cation channels in the mammalian brain. Dr. Zha’s work on ASICs includes their role in dendritic spine remodeling and signaling, ASIC channel trafficking and stoichiometry, and the contribution of ASICs to acidotoxicity and ischemic brain injury.

2. Acid-sensitive GPCRs and ischemic protection. There are three main acid-sensitive GPCRs: GPR4, GPR65, and GPR68. In a recent set of studies, the team has investigated the role of GPR68 in mouse brain. Their data showed that GPR68 exhibits wide expression in brain neurons and its activation contributes to neuroprotection. At least part of this effect is through prolonging the activation of the PERK branch of unfolded protein responses. Besides GPR68 in neurons, Dr. Zha is studying the role of GPR4 in brain endothelium and its contribution to blood-brain barrier function and ischemia outcome.

3. Acid signaling in vascular contributions to cognitive impairment or dementia. Vascular dysfunction is one important contributor to later life cognitive impairment and dementia. The data of acid receptors in ischemia and BBB suggest that these receptors contribute to post-stroke cognitive impairment or, more broadly, other types of VCID. The team is investigating this topic using genetic and surgery models in mice.

 

Publications