Sarah X. Zhang M.D.
Sarah X. Zhang
M.D.
Professor
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Apoptosis and cell death; Gene Expression; Gene Therapy; Metabolism; Molecular and Cellular Biology; Molecular Basis of Disease; Neurobiology; Ophthalmology; Protein Folding; Retina; Signal Transduction; Vision science
Professional Summary:
The research in my lab has focused on two main areas: 1). molecular mechanisms of inflammation, angiogenesis, vascular and neuronal degeneration in retinal diseases; 2). potential roles of angiogenic inhibitors in obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes. The first line of research centers on gene regulation and signal transduction pathways underlying the neurovascular injury in diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and age-related macular degeneration. In recent years, we are focusing our efforts on the function and mechanism of the UPR signaling in normal and diseased retinal cells. The latter one combines basic and clinical research to study biomarkers and mechanism of type 2 diabetes.
1. ER stress and the UPR signaling in retinal neurovascular injury and diabetic retinopathy. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the primary site for protein synthesis and folding. Failure of this machinery to fold newly synthesized proteins presents unique dangers to the cell and is termed “ER stress.” In response to the stress, cells have evolved an intricate set of signaling pathways named the unfolded protein response (UPR) to restore the ER homeostasis. In addition, the UPR is known to regulates many genes involved in important physiological processes to modulate cell activity and cell fate. The project in my laboratory is aimed to understand the role of ER stress and the UPR in retinal vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and neuronal degeneration in diabetic retinopathy. Our previous work has implicated several key UPR branches such as IRE-XBP1 and ATF4-CHOP in retinal inflammation and vasculopathy in diabetes. Currently, we are employing integrated genetic tools and animal models to study the function of UPR genes in the retina and to dicepher the molecular links between the UPR signaling and inflammatory pathways in retinal cells. Findings from these studies are anticipated to identify novel therapeutic targets and develop new treatments for diabetic retinopathy.
2. Mechanisms and potential therapies for RPE death in age-related macular degeneration. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays an essential role in maintaining the normal structure and function of photoreceptors. RPE dysfunction and cell death is a hallmark pathological characteristic of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease that accounts for the majority of vision impairment in the elderly. Using transgenic mouse models, we discovered that the transcription factor XBP1 is a critical regulator of oxidative stress and cell survival in RPE cells. Genetic depletion or inhibition of XBP1 sensitizes the RPE to stress resulting in cell death. Our ongoing studies focus on identifying the target genes of XBP1 in RPE cells through which the protein regulates cell survival. We are also investigating if these proteins could offer potential salutary effects to protect RPE cells from oxidative injury and degeneration in disease conditions such as AMD.
3. Roles and mechanisms of angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors in obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes. Obesity, insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes are clustered as the most important metabolic disorders, substantially increasing morbidity and impairing quality of life. Excess body fat mass, particularly visceral fat, leads to dysregulation of adipokines (proteins secreted from fat cells), resulting in higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Our recent findings indicate that angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors are associated with obesity, diabetes and diabetic complications. For example, pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a major angiogenic inhibitor, is an active player in adipose tissue formation, insulin resistance and vascular function. In the future, we hope to futher understand the functions and mechanisms of these proteins in lipid metabolism and adiposity. In collaboration with a number of clinical investigators, we are exploring the physiological application of these factors as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, metabolic disorders and peripheral vascular diseases.
Education and Training:
- Fellowship, Cell biology/Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2005)
- Fellowship, Ophthalmology/Biochemistry, Medicial University of South Carolina (2002)
- MS, Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-sen University (2000)
- Fellowship, Retina, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (1997)
- Residency, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (1995)
- MD, Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Science (1990)
Employment:
- UB Distinguished Professor (2024-present)
- Professor, Ophthalmology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2018-present)
- Associate Professor, Ophthalmology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2012–2018)
- Adjunct Associate Professor, Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2012)
- Adjunct Associate Professor, Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2012)
- Associate Professor, Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2012)
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2010–2012)
- Assistant Professor, Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2006–2012)
Awards and Honors:
- UB Distinguished Professor (2024)
- SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities (2023)
- ARVO Gold Fellow (2022)
- Exceptional Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science Review (2022)
- ARVO Silver fellow (2021)
- UB Exceptional Scholars – Sustained Achievement (2021)
- Women's leadership program mentor (2021)
- Buffalo Blue Sky coins (2021)
- Young Investigator Travel Award, American Diabetes Association (2011)
- Young Investigator Award, the XIV International Symposium on Retinal Degene (2010)
- Dr. William Talley Diabetes Research Award (2010)
- Provost’s Research Award (2009)
- Travel Fellowship award, International society of eye research (ISER) (2008)
- COMAA Research Scholar (2007)
- ARVO Travel Fellowship Award (2005)
- New Investigator Award (2001)
Research Expertise:
- Angiogenesis and vascular pathophysiology: Regulation of angiogenesis and retinal vasculature, role of angiogenic inhibitors, VEGF signaling,vascular permeability, endothelial dysfunction, tight junction and adhesion juntion, mechanisms of retinopathy of prematurity.
- Biomarkers and mechanisms of diabetic complications: Role of angiogenic inhibitors as biomarkers in diabetes, diabetic complications and metabolic disorders, role of angiogenic inhibitors in obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
- Endoplasmic reticulum stress, protein folding and unfolded protein response: Role of ER stress in retinal diseases and signaling pathways of unfolded protein response in retinal angiogenesis, inflammation and neurodegeneration
- Molecular mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy: Regulation of blood-retinal barrier, mechanisms of vascular degeneration, retinal ischemia and retinal neovascularization; signaling pathways of inflammatory response in retinal cells and mechanisms and role of inflammation in diabetic retinopathy.
- Retinal neurodegeneration: Molecular mechanisms of age-related macular degeneration, RPE cell death and dysfunction, autophagy and new drug target for neuroprotection.
Grants and Sponsored Research:
- September 2024–May 2029
Molecular Mechanisms of Severe Diabetic Retinopathy
National Eye Institute/NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$2,374,855 - September 2010–February 2025
ER stress and diabetic retinopathy
National Eye Institute/NIH
Role: Principal Investigator - February 2020–September 2024
Molecular Mechanisms of Severe Diabetic Retinopathy
National Eye Institute/NIH
Role: Principal Investigator - July 2019–June 2022
Targeting Neuroinflammation for RGC Protection in Glaucoma
BrightFocus Foundation
Role: Principal Investigator - September 2018–August 2020
ER stress and diabetic retinopathy (Admin Supplements)
NIH, NEI
Role: Principal Investigator - December 2014–December 2016
Study of the ER-mitochondria interface as a new target in diabetic retinopathy
NIH, NEI
Role: Principal Investigator - September 2015–August 2016
ER stress and diabetic retinopathy (Admin Supplements)
NIH/NEI
Role: Principal Investigator - July 2011–June 2014
Molecular mechanism for diabetic retinopathy
American Diabetes Association
Role: Principal Investigator - November 2010–October 2013
Targeting Histone Deacetylase in Diabetic Retinopathy
OCAST
Role: Principal Investigator - April 2010–July 2012
Translational regulation of anti-oxidant genes in the RPE
American Health Assistance Foundation
Role: Principal Investigator - July 2009–June 2012
Lipoproteins and PEDF in the Vascular Complications of Diabetes
NIH, NIDDK
Role: Co-Investigator - September 2009–August 2010
A novel regulator of pro-inflammatory genes in diabetic retinopathy
Role: Principal Investigator - September 2007–June 2010
Mentoring Diabetes Research in Oklahoma
Role: Principal Investigator
Journal Articles:
- Brenner B, Xu F, Zhang Y, Kweon J, Fang R, Sheibani N, Zhang SX, Sun C, and Zhang, HF. (2024) Quantifying nanoscopic alterations associated with mitochondrial dysfunction using three-dimensional single-molecule localization microscopy. Biomed. Opt. Express (Feb), 15(3): 1571-1584. doi:10.1364/BOE.510351
- Wang J, Lai DA, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. (2024) Effects of Nox4 upregulation on PECAM-1 expression in a mouse model of diabetic retinopathy. PloS one (Jan), 19(5): e0303010. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0303010
- Zhang SX, Wang JJ, Starr CR, Lee EJ, Park S, Zhylkibayev A, Medina A, Lin JH, Gorbatyuk M. (2023) The endoplasmic reticulum: Homeostasis and crosstalk in retinal health and disease. Progress in retinal and eye research (Dec)101231.
- Shwani T, Zhang C, Owen LA, Shakoor A, Vitale AT, Lillvis JH, Barr JL, Cromwell P, Finley R, Husami N, Au E, Zavala RA, Graves EC, Zhang SX, Farkas MH, Ammar DA, Allison KM, Tawfik A, Sherva RM, Li M, Stambolian D, Kim IK, Farrer LA, DeAngelis MM. (2023) Patterns of Gene Expression, Splicing, and Allele-Specific Expression Vary among Macular Tissues and Clinical Stages of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells (Nov), 12(23). doi:10.3390/cells12232668
- McLaughlin T, Wang G, Medina A, Perkins J, Nihlawi R, Seyfried D, Hu Z, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. (2023) Essential Role of XBP1 in Maintaining Photoreceptor Synaptic Integrity in Early Diabetic Retinopathy. Investigative ophthalmology & visual science (Nov), 64(14): 40. doi:10.1167/iovs.64.14.40
- Lu T, Xie F, Huang C, Zhou L, Lai K, Gong Y, Li Z, Li L, Liang J, Cong Q, Li W, Ju R, Zhang SX, Jin C. (2023) ERp29 Attenuates Nicotine-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Inhibits Choroidal Neovascularization. International journal of molecular sciences (Oct), 24(21). doi:10.3390/ijms242115523
- McLaughlin T, Wang J, Jia L, Wu F, Wang Y, Wang JJ, Mu X, Zhang SX. (2023) Neuronal p58IPK Protects Retinal Ganglion Cells Independently of Macrophage/Microglia Activation in Ocular Hypertension. Cells (Jan), 1558(12): 12121558.
- Tang X, Wang J, Abboud HE, Chen Y, Wang JJ, and Zhang SX. (2023) Sustained Upregulation of Endothelial Nox4 Mediates Retinal Vascular Pathology in Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes (Jan), 72(1): 112-125. doi:doi: 10.2337/db22-0194
- Wang JJ, Park KS, Dhimal N, Shen S, Tang X, Qu J, and Zhang SX. (2022) Proteomic Analysis of Retinal Mitochondria-Associated ER Membranes Identified Novel Proteins of Retinal Degeneration in Long-Term Diabetes. Cells (Sep), 11(18): 2819. doi:doi:10.3390/cells11182819
- Zhang C., Owen L.A., Lillvis J.H., Zhang S.X., Kim I.K., DeAngelis M. (2022) AMD Genomics: Non-coding RNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Journal of Clinical Medicine (Mar) doi:DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061484
- McLaughlin T., Medina M., Perkins J., Yera M., Wang J.J., and Zhang S.X. (2022) Cellular Stress Signaling in Retinal Degeneration: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Mol Neurodegenen (Mar), 1(17): 25. doi:doi: 10.1186/s13024-022-00528-w.
- Hanineva A, Park KS, Wang JJ, DeAngelis MM, Farkas MH, Zhang SX. (2021) Emerging roles of circular RNAs in retinal diseases. Neural Regen Res (Jun), 17(9): 1875-1880.. doi:doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.335691.
- Ying Y, Xue R, Yang Y, Zhang SX, Xiao H, Zhu H, Li J, Chen G, Ye Y, Yu M, Liu X, Zhong Y. (2021) Activation of ATF4 triggers trabecular meshwork cell dysfunction and apoptosis in POAG. Aging (Mar), 13(6): 8628-8642. doi:10.18632/aging.202677
- Tang X, Wang JJ, Wang J, Abboud HE, Chen Y, Zhang SX. (2020) Endothelium-specific deletion of Nox4 delays retinal vascular development and mitigates pathological angiogenesis. Angiogenesis (Nov), 24: 363–377. doi:doi: 10.1007/s10456-020-09757-3
- Hunt KJ, Jenkins AJ, Fu D, Stevens D, Ma JX, Klein RL, Azar M, Zhang SX, Lopes-Virella MF, Lyons TJ. (2019) Serum pigment epithelium-derived factor: Relationships with cardiovascular events, renal dysfunction, and mortality in the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT) cohort. J Diabetes Complications (Oct), 33(10): 107410-107410.
- McLaughlin T, Siddiqi M, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. (2019) Loss of XBP1 Leads to Early-Onset Retinal Neurodegeneration in a Mouse Model of Type I Diabetes. J Clin Med (Jun), 8(6).
- Yang J, Chen C, McLaughlin T, Wang Y, Le YZ, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. (2019) Loss of X-box binding protein 1 in Muller cells augments retinal inflammation in a mouse model of diabetes. Diabetologia (Jan), 62(3): 531-543.
- Kelly K, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. (2018) The unfolded protein response signaling and retinal Muller cell metabolism. Neural Regen Res (Nov), 13(11): 1861-1870.
- McLaughlin T, Dhimal N, Li J, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. (2018) p58IPK Is an Endogenous Neuroprotectant for Retinal Ganglion Cells. Front Aging Neurosci (Sep), 10: 267-267.
- McLaughlin T, Falkowski M, Park JW, Keegan S, Elliott M, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. (2018) Loss of XBP1 accelerates age-related decline in retinal function and neurodegeneration. Mol Neurodegener (Apr), 13(1): 16-16.
- Bhatta M, Chatpar K, Hu Z, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. (2018) Reduction of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Improves Angiogenic Progenitor Cell function in a Mouse Model of Type 1 Diabetes. Cell Death Dis (Apr), 9(5): 467-467.
- McLaughlin T, Falkowski M, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. (2018) Molecular Chaperone ERp29: A Potential Target for Cellular Protection in Retinal and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Adv Exp Med Biol (Jan), 1074: 421-427.
- Ma JH, Shen S, Wang JJ, He Z, Poon A, Li J, Qu J, Zhang SX. (2017) Comparative Proteomic Analysis of the Mitochondria-associated ER Membrane (MAM) in a Long-term Type 2 Diabetic Rodent Model. Sci Rep (May), 7(1): 2062-2062.
- Ma JH, Wang JJ, Li J, Pfeffer BA, Zhong Y, Zhang SX. (2016) The Role of IRE-XBP1 Pathway in Regulation of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Tight Junctions. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci (Oct), 57(13): 5244-5252.
- Boriushkin E, Wang JJ, Li J, Bhatta M, Zhang SX. (2016) p58(IPK) suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β production via inhibition of PKR in macrophages. Sci Rep (Jan), 6: 25013-25013.
- Huang C, Wang JJ, Jing G, Li J, Jin C, Yu Q, Falkowski MW, Zhang SX. (2015) Erp29 Attenuates Cigarette Smoke Extract-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Mitigates Tight Junction Damage in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci (Oct), 56(11): 6196-6207.
- Yu M, Kang K, Bu P, Bell BA, Kaul C, Qiao JB, Sturgill-Short G, Yu X, Tarchick MJ, Beight C, Zhang SX, Peachey NS. (2015) Deficiency of CC chemokine ligand 2 and decay-accelerating factor causes retinal degeneration in mice. Exp Eye Res (Sep), 138: 126-133.
- McLaughlin T, Zhang SX. (2015) The neuroprotective potential of endoplasmic reticulum chaperones. Neural Regen Res (Aug), 10(8): 1211-1213.
- Bhatta M, Ma JH, Wang JJ, Sakowski J, Zhang SX. (2015) Enhanced endoplasmic reticulum stress in bone marrow angiogenic progenitor cells in a mouse model of long-term experimental type 2 diabetes. Diabetologia (Jun).
- Huang H, Jing G, Wang JJ, Sheibani N, Zhang SX. (2015) ATF4 is a novel regulator of MCP-1 in microvascular endothelial cells. J Inflamm (Lond) (Apr), 12: 31-31.
- Li J, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. (2015) NADPH oxidase 4-derived H2O2 promotes aberrant retinal neovascularization via activation of VEGF receptor 2 pathway in oxygen-induced retinopathy. J Diabetes Res (Mar), 2015: 963289-963289.
- Zhang SX, Ma JH, Bhatta M, Fliesler SJ, Wang JJ. (2015) The unfolded protein response in retinal vascular diseases: implications and therapeutic potential beyond protein folding. Prog Retin Eye Res (Mar), 45: 111-131.
- Huang C, Wang JJ, Ma JH, Jin C, Yu Q, Zhang SX. (2015) Activation of the UPR protects against cigarette smoke-induced RPE apoptosis through up-regulation of Nrf2. J Biol Chem (Feb), 290(9): 5367-5380.
- Boriushkin E, Wang JJ, Li J, Jing G, Seigel GM, Zhang SX. (2015) Identification of p58IPK as a novel neuroprotective factor for retinal neurons. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci (Feb), 56(2): 1374-1386.
- Ma JH, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. (2014) The unfolded protein response and diabetic retinopathy. J Diabetes Res (Oct), 2014: 160140-160140.
- Tryggestad JB, Wang JJ, Zhang SX, Thompson DM, Short KR. (2014) Elevated plasma pigment epithelium-derived factor in children with type 2 diabetes mellitus is attributable to obesity. Pediatr Diabetes (Oct).
- Zhang SX, Sanders E, Fliesler SJ, Wang JJ. (2014) Endoplasmic reticulum stress and the unfolded protein responses in retinal degeneration. Exp Eye Res (May), 125C: 30-40.
- Jenkins AJ, Fu D, Azar M, Stoner JA, Kaufman DG, Zhang S, Klein RL, Lopes-Virella MF, Ma JX, Lyons TJ, Zhang SX. (2014) Clinical correlates of serum pigment epithelium-derived factor in type 2 diabetes patients. J Diabetes Complications (May), 28(3): 353-359.
- Chen C, Cano M, Wang JJ, Li J, Huang C, Yu Q, Herbert TP, Handa JT, Zhang SX. (2014) Role of unfolded protein response dysregulation in oxidative injury of retinal pigment epithelial cells. Antioxid Redox Signal (May), 20(14): 2091-2106.
- Boriushkin E, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. (2014) Role of p58IPK in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-associated Apoptosis and Inflammation. J Ophthalmic Vis Res (Jan), 9(1): 134-143.
- Chen C Wang JJ Li J Yu Q Zhang SX. (2013) Quinotrierixin inhibits retinal epithelial cell proliferation. Mol Vis. (Jan), 19: 39-46.
- Wang H Zhang SX Hartnett ME. (2013) Signaling Pathways Triggered by Oxidative Stress That Mediate Features of Severe Retinopathy of Prematurity. JAMA Ophthalmology (Jan), 131(1): 80-85.
- Li J Wang JJ Peng Q Chen C Humphrey MB Heinecke J Zhang SX. (2012) Macrophage Metalloelastase (MMP-12) Deficiency Mitigates Retinal Inflammation and Pathological Angiogenesis in Ischemic Retinopathy. PLoS ONE (Dec), 7(12).
- Chen Y, Wang JJ, Li J, Hosoya KI, Ratan R, Townes T, Zhang SX. (2012) Activating transcription factor 4 mediates hyperglycaemia-induced endothelial inflammation and retinal vascular leakage through activation of STAT3 in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes. Diabetologia (Sep), 55(9): 2533-2545.
- Sunderland KL, Tryggestad JB, Wang JJ, Teague AM, Pratt LV, Zhang SX, Thompson DM, Short KR. (2012) Pigment epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF) Varies with Body Composition and Insulin Resistance in Healthy Young People. J Clin Endocrinol Metab (Aug).
- Zhong Y, Li J, Wang JJ, Chen C, Tran JT, Saadi A, Yu Q, Le YZ, Mandal MN, Anderson RE, Zhang SX. (2012) X-box binding protein 1 is essential for the anti-oxidant defense and cell survival in the retinal pigment epithelium. PLoS One (Jun), 7(6): 38616-38616.
- Zhong Y, Li J, Chen Y, Wang JJ, Ratan R, Zhang SX. (2012) Activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress by hyperglycemia is essential for Müller cell-derived inflammatory cytokine production in diabetes. Diabetes (Feb), 61(2): 492-504.
- Zhong Y, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. (2012) Intermittent but not constant high glucose induces ER stress and inflammation in human retinal pericytes. Adv Exp Med Biol (Jan), 723: 285-292.
- Jing G, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. (2011) ER stress and apoptosis: a new mechanism for retinal cell death. Exp Diabetes Res (Dec), 2012: 589589-589589.
- Zhang SX Sanders E Wang JJ. (2011) Endoplasmic reticulum stress and diabetic retinopathy. J Ocul Biol Dis Infor (Dec), 4: 51-61.
- Li J, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. (2011) Preconditioning with endoplasmic reticulum stress mitigates retinal endothelial inflammation via activation of X-box binding protein 1. J Biol Chem (Feb), 286(6): 4912-4921.
- Li J, Wang JJ, Yu Q, Chen K, Mahadev K, Zhang SX. (2010) Inhibition of reactive oxygen species by Lovastatin downregulates vascular endothelial growth factor expression and ameliorates blood-retinal barrier breakdown in db/db mice: role of NADPH oxidase 4. Diabetes (Jun), 59(6): 1528-1538.
- Wang M, Wang JJ, Li J, Park K, Qian X, Ma JX, Zhang SX. (2009) Pigment epithelium-derived factor suppresses adipogenesis via inhibition of the MAPK/ERK pathway in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab (Dec), 297(6): 1378-1387.
- Li J, Wang JJ, Chen D, Mott R, Yu Q, Ma JX, Zhang SX. (2009) Systemic administration of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor protects the blood-retinal barrier and ameliorates retinal inflammation in type 2 diabetes. Exp Eye Res (Jun), 89(1): 71-78.
- Li J, Wang JJ, Yu Q, Wang M, Zhang SX. (2009) Endoplasmic reticulum stress is implicated in retinal inflammation and diabetic retinopathy. FEBS Lett (May), 583(9): 1521-1527.
- Zhang SX, Wang JJ, Dashti A, Wilson K, Zou MH, Szweda L, Ma JX, Lyons TJ. (2008) Pigment epithelium-derived factor mitigates inflammation and oxidative stress in retinal pericytes exposed to oxidized low-density lipoprotein. J Mol Endocrinol (Sep), 41(3): 135-143.
- Wang JJ, Zhang SX, Mott R, Chen Y, Knapp RR, Cao W, Ma JX. (2008) Anti-inflammatory effects of pigment epithelium-derived factor in diabetic nephropathy. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol (May), 294(5): 1166-1173.
- Zhang SX, Ma JX. (2007) Ocular neovascularization: Implication of endogenous angiogenic inhibitors and potential therapy. Prog Retin Eye Res (Jan), 26(1): 1-37.
- Zhang SX, Wang JJ, Gao G, Parke K, Ma JX. (2006) Pigment epithelium-derived factor downregulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and inhibits VEGF-VEGF receptor 2 binding in diabetic retinopathy. J Mol Endocrinol (Aug), 37(1): 1-12.
- Wang JJ, Zhang SX, Mott R, Knapp RR, Cao W, Lau K, Ma JX. (2006) Salutary effect of pigment epithelium-derived factor in diabetic nephropathy: evidence for antifibrogenic activities. Diabetes (Jun), 55(6): 1678-1685.
- Liu L Yu Q Wang H Zhang SX Huang C Chen X. (2006) Association of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 polymorphisms with retinopathy in Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes. Diabetic Medicine (Jun), 23(6): 643-648.
- Zhang SX, Wang JJ, Lu K, Mott R, Longeras R, Ma JX. (2006) Therapeutic potential of angiostatin in diabetic nephropathy. J Am Soc Nephrol (Feb), 17(2): 475-486.
- Zhang SX, Wang JJ, Gao G, Shao C, Mott R, Ma JX. (2006) Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is an endogenous antiinflammatory factor. FASEB J (Feb), 20(2): 323-325.
- Zhang SX, Sima J, Wang JJ, Shao C, Fant J, Ma JX. (2005) Systemic and periocular deliveries of plasminogen kringle 5 reduce vascular leakage in rat models of oxygen-induced retinopathy and diabetes. Curr Eye Res (Aug), 30(8): 681-689.
- Ma JX, Zhang SX, Wang JJ. (2005) Down-regulation of angiogenic inhibitors: a potential pathogenic mechanism for diabetic complications. Curr Diabetes Rev (May), 1(2): 183-196.
- Wang JJ, Zhang SX, Lu K, Chen Y, Mott R, Sato S, Ma JX. (2005) Decreased expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Diabetes (Jan), 54(1): 243-250.
- Zhang SX, Ma JX, Sima J, Chen Y, Hu MS, Ottlecz A, Lambrou GN. (2005) Genetic difference in susceptibility to the blood-retina barrier breakdown in diabetes and oxygen-induced retinopathy. Am J Pathol (Jan), 166(1): 313-321.
- Shao C, Sima J, Zhang SX, Jin J, Reinach P, Wang Z, Ma JX. (2004) Suppression of corneal neovascularization by PEDF release from human amniotic membranes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci (Jun), 45(6): 1758-1762.
- Sima J, Zhang SX, Shao C, Fant J, Ma JX. (2004) The effect of angiostatin on vascular leakage and VEGF expression in rat retina. FEBS Lett (Apr), 564(1-2): 19-23.
- Zhang SX, Sima J, Shao C, Fant J, Chen Y, Rohrer B, Gao G, Ma JX. (2004) Plasminogen kringle 5 reduces vascular leakage in the retina in rat models of oxygen-induced retinopathy and diabetes. Diabetologia (Jan), 47(1): 124-131.
- Gao G, Shao C, Zhang SX, Dudley A, Fant J, Ma JX. (2003) Kallikrein-binding protein inhibits retinal neovascularization and decreases vascular leakage. Diabetologia (May), 46(5): 689-698.
- Yu M, Zhang X, Zhong X, Yu Q, Jiang F, Ma J, Wu D, Zhang SX. (2002) Multifocal electroretinograms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. Chin Med J (Engl) (Apr), 115(4): 563-566.
- Todd McLaughlin, Jinli Wang, Liyun Jia, Fuguo Wu, Yaqin Wang, Joshua J. Wang, Xiuqian Mu and Sarah X. Zhang. (1900) Neuronal p58IPK Protects Retinal Ganglion Cells Independent of Macrophage/Microglia Activation in Ocular Hypertension. Cells (Jan)
- Jinli Wang, Daniel A. Lai, Josh J. Wang, and Sara X. Zhang. (1900) Minimal Effects of Nox4 Upregulation on PECAM-1 Expression in Diabetic Retinopathy. (Jan)
Presentations:
- "“Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”" Cornerstone Seminar Series, School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham (2023)
- "Development of Novel Therapeutics for Age-related Macular Degeneration" Owen Locke Foundation (2023)
- "“Transcriptional Regulation of Stress Response in Retinal Neurons”" Annual Ophthalmology Symposium (2023)
- "“OPG-RANKL-RANK Pathway in Diabetic Retinopathy”" Ophthalmology Grand Rounds (2023)
- "“ER Stress Signaling in Retinal Aging and Disease”" Oral Biology Seminar, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo (2023)
- "“Endothelial NADPH Oxidase 4 and Redox Signaling in Angiogenesis and Diabetic Retinopathy”" The Medical Scientist Training Program Seminar (2023)
- "“ER-associated Stress Signaling Pathway in Diabetic Retinopathy”" XXVth Biennial Meeting of the International Society of Eye Research (2023)
- "Overexpression of NADPH Oxidase 4 Induces Endothelial Senescence by Impairing Mitochondrial Biogenesis and ATF4 Activation" ARVO 2022 (2022)
- "Redox regulation of endothelial function in retinal disease" Joint Vision Research Lab Group Meetings (2021)
- "Activation of NADPH oxidase 4 Promotes Angiogenic Progenitor Dysfunction in Diabetic Retinopathy" ARVO annual meeting 2021 (2021)
- "Impaired UPRER is Associated with Chronic Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Aging Endothelial Cells" ARVO annual meeting 2021 (2021)
- "Redox Regulation of Endothelial Progenitor Function and Senescence in the Aging Retina" ARVO annual meeting 2021 (2021)
- "The Neuroprotective Action of p58IPK Does not Involve Macrophages in Retinal Disease Models" ARVO annual meeting 2021 (2021)
- "Measurement of energy metabolism in dissociated mouse retinal rod photoreceptors" ARVO 2022
Service Activities:
- Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology; Review Editor (2023–present)
- NEI Special Emphasis Panel ZEY1-VSN(03) (2023)
- Research Grants Council (RGC), Hong Kong (2023–present)
- Fighting Blindness Ireland; Reviewer (2023–present)
- Award Committee, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO); Member (2023–2027)
- Modulator, Session “Diabetic Retinopathy (clinical studies)”, ARVO meeting; Modulator (2023)
- Member, Associate Professor/Professor Search Committee (2023)
- Chair, Assistant Professor Search Committee (2023)
- Member, MD/PhD Admission Committee (2022–present)
- Judge, Annual CSTEP research symposium (2022–present)
- Frontiers in Genetics (section of Genetics of Aging); Associate Editor (2022–present)
- NIH ZRG1 EMNR-B (02) Special Emphasis Panel; Member (2021)
- NIH ZRG1 ETTN-M (12) Special Emphasis Panel; Member (2021)
- ; Member, 2021 Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) (2021)
- Special Issue "Molecular Mechanisms of Angiogenesis and Inflammation in Retinal Diseases” in the journal Cells; Guest Editor (2021–present)
- ; Participant, Ride for Roswell (2021–present)
- ; Mentor, Women’s Leadership Program, ARVO (2021–2022)
- VA ZRD1 ENDA-L 01 Endocrinology-A (ENDA); Member (2021)
- NEI Individual Mentored Career Awards study section ZEY1 VSN 03; Member (2021)
- Mentor, Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) Program (2021–present)
- Cells; Editorial Board Member (2021–present)
- ; Member, Women Professors of Ophthalmology, AUPO (2021–present)
- ; Chair, Continuing Medical Education Committee (CME), ARVO (2020–2022)
- Member and Chair (2022-2023), Promotion and Tenure Committee, JSMBS (2020–2023)
- Departmental Alternative Representative, Faculty council (2019–present)
- Organizer/Moderator, Joint Vision Research Lab Group meetings series (2019–present)
- Organizer, Distinguished lectures in Vision Science series (2019–present)
- Member, IRB Review Committee, Department of Ophthalmology/Ross eye Institute (2019–present)
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Admissions Committee; Member (2019–present)
- NEI; NIH DPVS;; Panel Member (2016–2020)
- Institutional Biosafety Committee; Member (2016–2020)
- ; Judge, Neuroscience Day (2016–present)
- Scientific Review Committee, Department of Ophthalmology/Ross eye Institute; Member (2016–present)
- Faculty Council; Member (2016–present)
- Facilities Planning & Budget; Member (2016–present)
- Member, Promotions and Tenure Committee, Department of Ophthalmology; Ophthalmology/Ross eye Institute (2016–present)
- Journal of Eye Disease; Editorial Board member (2015–present)
- Fight For Sight;; Grant Reviewer (2014–present)
- Diabetes UK; Diabetes UK Research Grant;; Grant Reviewer (2014–present)
- Mentor; CLIMB PRO and SURF program, SUNY (2014–present)
- Resident Interview, participated 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2021 (2013–present)
- Mentor; Center for Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (CURCA) (2013–present)
- American Diabetes Association; American Diabetes Association Grant Review Panel;; Panel Member (2013–present)
- Publications Committee (PUBS), Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO); Member (2012–2015)
- Journal of Diabetes Research and Clinical Metabolism; Editorial Board member (2012–present)
- Medical Research Council (UK); Reviewer (2012–present)
- International Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Editorial Board member (2011–present)
- Journal of Diabetes and Metabolism; Editorial Board member (2010–present)
- Cell Diff Death, Communcations Biology, Exp Eye Res, IOVS, EMBO-EMM, EMBO, Pharmacological Research, Diabetes, Diabetologia, Sci Rep, Nat Commun, Prog Retina Eye Res, FASEB J, etc; Review for multiple journals (2003–present)