Ming Zhang

Ming Zhang is an Associate Professor at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, specializing in Cellular Biology and Anatomy. His research program focuses on understanding the pathogenesis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) ocular infections using mouse models and organotypic retinal cultures, with particular interest in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and bystander retinal cell death during CMV latency.

• PhD (1992) and MS (1988) in Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Tongji Medical University
• MD (1985) in Medicine, Hubei Medical University
• Postdoctoral training: University of Texas Health Science Center (1996-2000) and Tongji Hospital (1992-1995)

His research explores intersections between virology, cell death mechanisms, and retinal pathology, particularly in immunosuppressed models. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on autophagy-apoptosis interactions in kidney and retinal diseases, viral latency effects on chronic pathologies, and transcriptional profiling of infected tissues.

Dr. Zhang serves as Principal Investigator for NIH NEI RO1 funding on "Ocular MCMV latency and AMD-like pathology" and Retinal Research Foundation Pilot Study Grant. His laboratory utilizes electron microscopy, cell imaging, and in vivo viral models to examine disease progression.