Zhen Zhao

Zhen Zhao is an Assistant Professor of Physiology & Neuroscience at the University of Southern California, directing the Cell Engineering & Regeneration Core. His research focuses on neurovascular biology, particularly the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying vascular cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. Key projects include studying receptor-mediated transport at the BBB, pericyte-neuron crosstalk, and the role of vascular risk genes like PDGFRβ and PICALM.

Dr. Zhao has secured funding from NIH/NIA, BrightFocus Foundation, and the L.K. Whittier Foundation, among others. His work spans experimental models of cerebrovascular disease, including studies on chronic hypoperfusion, BBB permeability, and pericyte degeneration. He collaborates with institutions like the USC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and has published extensively in Neuron, Nature Neuroscience, and Physiological Reviews.

Awards include the NIH R01AG061288 (2019-2024) and BrightFocus Foundation Grant (2019-2022). His lab investigates translational approaches such as AAV-mediated gene delivery and exosome-based therapies to enhance BBB function and treat neurodegenerative diseases. Current studies also explore the impact of viral infections (e.g., Zika) on neural stem cell development and BBB integrity.