2023 M. Irené Ferrer Awardee, Columbia University
Dr. Hanrui Zhang is a macrophage biologist. She completed her PhD training in 2011 at the University of Missouri. Her graduate work centered on the crosstalk between immune cells and blood vessels in diabetes-associated vascular diseases. Her postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania continued to address the mechanisms of cardiometabolic diseases focusing on macrophage lipid metabolism and inflammation using gene targeting in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) with differentiation to macrophages.
The Zhang laboratory in the Department of Medicine – Cardiology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center seeks to understand the dynamic role of macrophages in cardiometabolic diseases to find novel mechanisms and new treatments. The laboratory applies technologies for high-throughput functional genomics, human iPSC and CRISPR gene editing, transgenic mouse models, human genetics, and a variety of cell and molecular techniques.
Awarded: $60,000
What is their research on?
Dr. Zhang and her team are studying how the body defends against the unstable plaques in the coronary arteries. Specifically, they are investigating the role of macrophages in engulfing and clearing plaque debris through a process called efferocytosis.
Why study this condition?
Arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) is a significant global health challenge. In 2022, 315 million people had CAD, and by 2050, the aging population and an increase in risk factors are projected to triple the number of patients. The cost of CAD is expected to rise 124% from $200 billion to $584 billion, with stroke costs increasing by 535% to approach $423 billion.
What did the doctor find?
Dr. Zhang’s team has identified the genetic system that regulates efferocytosis. Using a mouse model with CAD, they are testing how altering the levels of specific genes involved in this process can stabilize unstable plaques in the coronary arteries.
How did the Foundation for Gender-Specific Medicine’s grant specifically help their research?
The grant supports Dr. Zhang’s research into the genetic regulation of efferocytosis and its potential to stabilize unstable plaques in coronary arteries, with a focus on understanding differences between males and females.
Current Status:
Dr. Zhang’s studies are testing whether targeted gene therapy that accelerates efferocytosis will create “super eater” cells. These cells could be useful in improving the condition of patients with coronary artery disease and determining whether the therapy will have different effects in males and females.