Aimin Zhou

Dr. Aimin Zhou is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Cleveland State University's College of Arts and Sciences, where he serves as a faculty member at the Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease (GRHD). He maintains his laboratory at Science and Research Building Room 424 and has been actively contributing to academic research and teaching since joining the university.

• Professor, Clinical Chemistry Program (2012-present)
• Associate Professor, Clinical Chemistry Program (2005-2012)
• Assistant Professor, Clinical Chemistry Program (2000-2005)

Dr. Zhou earned his B.S. in Organic Chemistry from Zhongshan University (1982), M.S. in Biochemistry from the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (1985), and Ph.D. in Clinical Chemistry from Cleveland State University (1998).

His research primarily focuses on RNase L and its role in interferon function, particularly investigating how RNase L regulates the expression of proinflammatory genes and its involvement in inflammatory diseases. His work explores the molecular mechanisms through which RNase L-dependent regulation of RNA stability and expression occurs, with recent studies examining its role in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, lung inflammation, and other inflammatory conditions. Dr. Zhou has established himself as a significant contributor to understanding the intersection of molecular biology, immunology, and disease pathology.

Analysis of Dr. Zhou's recent publications (2018-2023) reveals a strong focus on inflammatory pathways, particularly the ERK/MAPK and NF-kB signaling cascades, with growing interest in neurodegenerative disease models and natural compounds with therapeutic potential. His research spans multiple disciplines including molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, and pharmacology, demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach to understanding disease mechanisms.

Dr. Zhou has received numerous awards for his research contributions:

• Distinguished Faculty Research Award (2014)
• Multiple Merit Recognition Awards from Cleveland State University (2006-2020)
• Outstanding Achievement Award from Chinese American Faculty and Staff Association (2010)
• Performance Awards from Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (1987-1989)

Dr. Zhou actively mentors PhD students in his laboratory, including Abigail Ansah-zame, Uthman Alghamdi, and Xiaotong Zhao, providing them with research opportunities in molecular biology and biochemistry. He teaches courses in Biotechnology, Clinical Chemistry, and College Chemistry, demonstrating his commitment to both research and education. His professional affiliations include the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Association for Clinical Chemistry, International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research, and the American Cancer Society, reflecting the breadth of his scientific contributions.

Dr. Zhou's laboratory focuses on RNase L research, investigating its role in inflammatory diseases and molecular mechanisms of interferon function. His team employs various biochemical and molecular techniques to study gene expression regulation, inflammatory pathways, and potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory conditions.