University of Illinois Chicago · PharmacologyChronic Pain and Molecular Mechanisms Lab
Zaijie Jim Wang · Chicago, Illinois
Research Focus
Dr. Zaijie Jim Wang's research lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of chronic pain associated with sickle cell disease (SCD) to develop effective treatments. The lab uses advanced techniques like studying epigenetics and gut microbiota to uncover the biological processes behind this pain. Ultimately, the goal is to improve therapies that help the thousands of patients suffering from chronic pain linked to SCD.
Chronic PainSickle Cell DiseaseEpigeneticsMolecular BiologyTransgenic MicePain MechanismsDrug DevelopmentNeurobiologyPharmacologyGut Microbiota
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the neurobiological mechanisms of chronic pain in sickle cell disease.
AIM 02Explore the role of gut microbiota in chronic pain associated with sickle cell disease.
AIM 03Develop new pharmacological treatments for chronic pain in sickle cell disease.
AIM 04Utilize transgenic mouse models to model sickle cell disease for research.
AIM 05Advance the understanding of epigenetic factors contributing to pain in sickle cell disease.
Skills the Lab Values
Molecular Biology TechniquesCell CultureTransgenic Mouse ModelsMicroRNA AnalysisPharmacological TestingPain AssessmentDrug Delivery SystemsEpidemiological ResearchBiostatisticsExperimental Therapeutics
Output against the department
Publications85bottom 19% of dept.370th of 462
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations2.6kbottom 19% of dept.373rd of 462
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.