EUEmory University · Biology
Zheng Lab
James Q Zheng · Atlanta, Georgia
Research Focus
Dr. James Q Zheng's lab at Emory University investigates how the actin cytoskeleton affects the structure and function of synapses in the brain. By studying the dynamic changes in dendritic spines, which are crucial for learning and memory, the lab aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. This research is essential for understanding brain development and potential connections to brain disorders.
actin cytoskeletondendritic spinessynaptic plasticityneurotransmitter receptorsbrain developmentlearning and memorycellular mechanismsactin crosslinkingpostsynaptic structurebrain disorders
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how actin regulates the development of postsynaptic structures.
AIM 02Examine the role of actin crosslinking and capping in dendritic spine remodeling.
AIM 03Characterize the interaction between actin-binding proteins and scaffolding proteins.
AIM 04Study the implications of synaptic modifications on learning and memory.
AIM 05Explore the cellular mechanisms involved in synaptic plasticity related to brain disorders.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturehigh resolution imaginglive cell imagingimmunofluorescencemolecular dynamicsWestern blotPCRbiochemical assaysdata analysismicroscopy
Output against the department
Publications182top 36% of dept.374th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations9.0ktop 42% of dept.435th of 1,033
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.