Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University. His research focuses on vascular wall disorders, smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic changes, and therapeutic target discovery.

• BSc in Pharmacy - Sun Yat-Sen University
• PhD in Biomedical Engineering - Sun Yat-Sen University

Dr. Zhang’s work explores how VSMC heterogeneity contributes to pathologies like restenosis, aneurysm dissection, and atherosclerosis. He investigates mechanisms of VSMC proliferation, migration, and transdifferentiation using genetic, surgical, and dietary rodent models, including conditional knockout mice and lineage-tracing systems.

His publications highlight advancements in single-cell transcriptomics, lncRNA (INKILN) targeting, and prime editing for tissue-specific gene function. Articles span Redox Biology, Circulation, Genome Biology, and Aging (Albany NY), with trends in multiomics, gene editing, and aging-related vascular pathways.

Scientific Awards:

• 2023 AHA Transformational Project Award
• 2023 AHA Second Century Early Faculty Independence Award
• 2023 Augusta University Intramural Grant
• 2023 ATVB Travel Grant for Early Career Investigators
• 2018 AHA Career Development Award

Dr. Zhang’s lab utilizes humanized transgenic mice, lineage-tracing models, and cell cycle/senescence reporters to study vascular disease initiation and progression at high resolution.