Xiao Zhang

Intestinal stem cell regeneration and proliferation support not only the initial development and maturation of the gut tissue but also the life-long maintenance of homeostasis against injuries from pathogens, chemicals, and physical damages, et al. Major signalings that are essential for stem cell maintenance such as EGFR/MAPK, Wnt/beta-Catenin, Hippo-YAP/TAZ, Notch and BMP etc., are employed by these cells to return to a stem cell like status. Interaction between microbiome and host intestine epithelium is my current interest, which leads to questions including how host genetics affect the gardening of the microbiome; how does the microbiome adapt to stressed/pathological conditions to benefit both the host and its own niche, etc.