Lab of Molecular Imaging and Stem Cell Therapy

Principle Investigator

Zongjin Li, MD, PhD

Professor, Department of Pathophysiology

E-mail: zongjinli@nankai.edu.cn 

Dr Li got his PhD degree from Peking Union Medical College, 2005. Then, he did his postdoctoral training at MIPS (Imaging Program at Stanford) & Department of Radiology, Stanford University from 2005-2009. After that, He joined Nankai University as a Professor. Over the past years, Dr Li has used state-of-the-art imaging technology and developed molecular imaging assays for studying intact biological systems and made phenomenal progress in developing methods to endothelium differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cell, non-invasively monitor the dynamics of cardiac gene expression, and stem cell transplantation using novel optical bioluminescence and position emission     tomography (PET) imaging approaches, as well as cancer targeting therapy. Dr Li has published more than 60 peer-reviewed papers on molecular imaging and stem cell therapy. Furthermore, his work was funded by several key grants from National Key Scientific Program of China and National Natural Science Foundation of China.            

 



PhD Candidates

Chen Wang

E-mail: wangchen_echo@163.com



The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides not only structural support but is also important for biologic cell and tissue function. The ECM is a complex structure composed of collagens, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and glycosaminoglycans. The human placenta-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) provide a microenvironment favorable to the growth and differentiation of cells, and positive modulate the healing of full-thickness wounds. Here, we isolated the exosomess from the human placenta-derived MSCs and demonstrated that ECM hydrogel could enhance the therapeutic function of exosomess and further augment the therapeutic effects for skin full-thickness injury.

Kaiyue Zhang

E-mail: zhangkaiyue177@163.com



Exosome, as a major form of paracrine ingredients, has been confirmed as an important mediator of intercellular communications both in physiological and pathological processes. The exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-exosomes) which carry bioactive molecules including DNAs, proteins, and even RNAs have been recognized as new candidates for cell-free treatment of various diseases. In our researches, we devote ourselves to enhance the therapeutic effects of MSC-exosomes for hindlimb ischemia treatment by using biomaterials. Besides, we focus on using molecular imaging to monitor stem cells, exosomes, and the potential mechanism of tissue recovery. In summary, we are looking for the novel strategy to implement the clinical application of stem cell therapy.

Shang Chen  

E-mail: chenshang2010@163.com 

PGE2 are derived from arachidonic acid, a 20 carbon polyunsaturated fatty acid, which plays a key role in pain, fever, inflammation and diseases with inflammatory components. Recent studies have shown a close relationship between PGE2 and tissue repair. Physical packaging was used to achieve slow release of PGE2, but this strategy has been hampered by the typically short half-lives of PGE2.  In our researches, we design a bioactive material that can release PGE2 slowly and at low concentration to verify its role in the repair of acute renal injury. Besides, we focus on using molecular imaging to monitor stem cells, PGE2, and the potential mechanism of tissue recovery.  

Haoyan Huang

E-mail：huanghaoyan818@sina.com

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a lipid-signaling molecule that acts as both an inflammatory mediator and a fibroblast modulator, is a promising therapeutic candidate for improving tissue repair and regeneration. Moreover, inhibiting prostaglandin breakdown triggers tissue regeneration and improves cutaneous wound healing. Additionally, PGE2 is essential for augmenting regeneration and strength of skeletal muscle. However, the short half-life of PGE2 in circulation results in less contact time with cells and hampers the ability of PGE2 to effectively participate in physiological processes. Consequently, we hypothesized that collagen × PGE2 hydrogel incorporating PGE2 could prolong the release of PGE2 and might have a better therapeutic effect on cutaneous wound and hindlimb ischemia.

Kamal Hezam 

E-mail：kamalhezam@163.com

Kamal is joining our lab for doing his PhD as an international scholar in Nankai University. His research is focusing on stem cell therapy because it holds the promise to treat degenerative diseases, cancer and repair of damaged tissues for which there are currently no or limited therapeutic options.  Recently, there has been an exciting development in generation of a new class of pluripotent stem cells, induced pluripotent cells (iPS cells). Stem cell research in both basic and preclinical settings should support the hope for development of stem cell-based cell therapies for different diseases.

Rongrong Li 

E-mail: lirongrong1992@aliyun.com

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, resulting from oxidative stress and a drastic inflammatory response, is a main complication of liver transplantation, hemorrhagic shock, and resection, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Recently, there is considerable evidence shown that MSC-derived extracellular vesicles, possessing similar therapeutic function to MSCs, play protective role in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the underlying mechanisms for these phenomena still need to be fully elucidated. We therefore investigate the biodistribution, associated mechanism in a mouse Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury model.

Enze Fu

E-mail: 1120200611@mail.nankai.edu.cn

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for two conditions: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) that are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Prolonged inflammation results in damage to the GI tract. The most widely used mouse model of colitis employs dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), a chemical colitogen with anticoagulant properties, to induce UC. In our lab, we used biomaterials such as ECMs, hydrogels, exosomes to treat mouse UC in vivo and detected the mechanism using molecular imaging technology.

MA Candidates

Yue Liu

E-mail: yueliufly@163.com

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) carries a high mortality rate but has limited therapeutic options. AKI is considered a predictor of progression to chronic kidney disease(CKD) and a major contributor to chronic renal failure. The development of new strategies to facilitate tissue repair during acute injury events is urgently needed and warranted for halting the ensuing fibrosis. Epithelial organs have a relatively high rate of cell loss in AKI and tubular regeneration restores normal tubular architecture and renal function. Previous studies demonstrate that the administration of exogenous MSCs and MSC-Exosome contributes to the recovery of tissue injury in heart, liver, brain, renal and pancreas. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of hPMSCs-derived exosomes in the prevention of AKI-CKD transition, and illuminate the role of Sox9, a vital transcription factors in the development of kidney, in the process of unilateral renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI).

Jinglei Zhao

E-mail: 15834060734@163.com 

Molecular Imaging enables the visualisation of the cellular function and the follow-up of the molecular process in living organisms without perturbing them. The multiple and numerous potentialities of this field are applicable to the diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, and neurological and cardiovascular diseases. This technique also contributes to improving the treatment of these disorders by optimizing the pre-clinical and clinical tests of new medication. 

Huifang Li

E-mail: lihuifang950418@163.com 

Doxorubicin (DOX), which is an anthracycline antibiotic, is most commonly used as an effective chemotherapeutic drug for a wide range of cancers. However, it can induce cytotoxicity through a variety of mechanisms. To date, no single chemical synthesized drug is available to prevent the harmful action of doxorubicin without reducing its anti-cancer efficacy. Carrying the characteristics of their mother cells, exosomes are safe and effective in treatment. We want to explore whether PMSC-derived exosomes can alleviate cytotoxicity and ameliorate dox-induced apoptosis.

Huimin Sun 

E-mail: huiminsun_amelia@163.com

Cardiovascular disease is a common disease with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. As an emerging treatment modality, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are rich in sources. In the damaged environment in the body, cytokines and growth factors can be secreted from MSCs to play the role of immune regulation and anti-apoptosis, which will become an ideal method for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Intravenous mesenchymal stem cells are safe and can improve cardiac function in the treatment of myocardial infarction, heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism by which intravenous mesenchymal stem cells play a role in cardiovascular diseases remains unclear. Thus, studying the mechanism of intravenous-administered mesenchymal stem cells in cardiovascular diseases is of great significance.

Xiaotong Zhao

E-mail: xiaotongzhao2018@126.com

Irradiation-induced damages have been reported from long-term epidemiological studies of people exposed to radiation. The vascular system, especially vascular endothelium is a key target of radiation in normal and tumor tissues. Therefore, we hope to investigate whether stem cell-derived exosomes can mitigate the changes in the endothelial cells, and then may contribute to the treatment of clinical side effect after radiotherapy.

Ziyu Huang

E-mail: m13018263096@163.com

Hui Cheng

E-mail: Chenghui201902@163.com

Zihan Chai

E-mail: chaizihan1997@163.com 

 Chen Wang

 E-mail: wc18190471784@Outlook.com

Former Trainees

    Guowei Feng, Qianjie Zhao, Lingling Tong, Liang Leng, Ningning He, Yang Li, Wei Du, Yan Nie, Rang Wang, Ziwei Huang, Hongyan Tao,

     Shuaiqiang Zhang, Xin Zhang, Xiangnan Zhao, Kaige Cui, Hongfeng Wang