Xu Zhang, Ph.D.

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SUMMARY

Cellular senescence is an irreversible state of growth arrest that occurs in response to various forms of stress. Senescent cells accumulate with age and contribute to tissue dysfunction by secreting detrimental factors into their microenvironment. Research both in and outside Mayo Clinic has demonstrated that genetic or pharmacological elimination of senescent cells can alleviate pathologies in multiple mouse models of aging and age-related diseases.

Xu Zhang, Ph.D., investigates biological mechanisms governing cellular senescence, particularly in skeletal muscle, and how senescent cells influence tissue homeostasis and degeneration. His research integrates single-cell and spatial transcriptomics with molecular and cellular biology techniques and uses cell and animal models to characterize and understand the functional roles of senescent cells. Dr. Zhang seeks to develop therapeutic interventions targeting senescent cells to counter age-related muscle weakness and functional decline.

Focus areas

• Cellular senescence regulation. Dr. Zhang studies the transcriptional and translational regulation underlying the development of cellular senescence. Using genetic mouse models, culture systems and single-cell transcriptomic technologies, his research aims to explain the initiation, dynamic gene expression changes and cellular heterogeneity of senescent cells with aging.
• The role of senescent cells in skeletal muscle aging. He investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which senescent cells influence skeletal muscle aging. Dr. Zhang also explores the potential of senotherapeutic agents to improve muscle health and function in later life.
• Development and application of single-cell and spatial omics in aging research. Dr. Zhang develops and applies single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomic technologies to investigate the biology of aging and cellular senescence across multiple tissues, including the brain, kidney, adipose tissue, lung and immune cells.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Zhang's research helps patients by finding better ways to understand and treat how human bodies change with age. His work on aging cells may lead to new therapies that help older adults move better and stay stronger.

Professional highlights

• Member, Editorial board, eLife, 2025-present.
• Grant reviewer, National Institute on Aging, 2023-present.
• Nathan Shock Centers of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging:
  • Grant reviewer, 2023-present.
  • Mentorship award, Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center, 2023.
  • Pilot Project Award, The Jackson Laboratory Nathan Shock Center, 2022.
  • Pilot Grant Award, San Diego Nathan Shock Center, 2021.
• Member, Editorial board, Aging Cell, 2023-present.
• Member, American Aging Association, 2022-present.
• Member, Gerontological Society of America, 2021-present.
• Member, International Cell Senescence Association, 2021-present.
• Mayo Clinic:
  • Early-Stage Investigator Research Award, Office of Core Shared Services, 2023-2024.
  • Innovation in Aging Award, Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, 2023-2024.
  • Computational Biology Award, Center for Biomedical Discovery, 2022.
  • Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging Career Development Award, 2020-2022.