The Liang Zheng Lab focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying thrombosis and hemostasis, with the broader goal of understanding how dysregulation in these processes contributes to complex cardiovascular and hematologic diseases. A central theme of our research is investigating thrombotic microangiopathies, including Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP), as well as inherited thrombocytopenia, such as ANKRD26-related thrombocytopenia.
Using innovative genetic models—including zebrafish, rats, and mice—we explore the ADAMTS13–von Willebrand factor (VWF) axis, a key regulator of thrombus formation and vascular homeostasis. Our work extends to CRISPR/Cas9-engineered models of gene mutations affecting platelet production, thrombus resolution, and vascular remodeling, enabling us to dissect the pathogenesis of conditions such as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).
Our multidisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, multi-omics, imaging, and translational models to identify novel therapeutic targets and inform treatment strategies for thrombotic disorders, as well as related complications like pulmonary hypertension. By bridging basic science and translational research, the Liang Zheng Lab aims to uncover key mechanisms of disease and improve outcomes for patients with thrombosis-related conditions.
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Career Development Award
2023-2026; PI
Cooperative Centers of Excellence in Hematology pilot grant
The function of ANKRD26 and its role in megakaryopoiesis
2023-2024; PI
Travel grant
Zebrafish Models of Thrombocytopenia
2023, PI
ANKRD26, Thrombocytopenia 2 and TTP
2022-2024; PI
Pathogenesis of thrombotic microangiopathies
2023-2027; Co-I
Postdoctoral Fellowship Award
2018-2020; PI
Research article
Zheng L, Adili R, Wu Z, Zhang Q, Zhu G, Lei X, Liu Z, Neves MAD, Ma W, Slavkovic S, Xu XR, Ni H, Zheng XL. Preventative and therapeutic effects of a novel humanized anti-GPIbα Fab fragment in a murine model of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. J Thromb Haemost. 2025 Feb 14;. doi: 10.1016/j.jtha.2025.02.009. PubMed PMID: 39956431.
Research Article
Liu S, Ma M, Qu J, Muia J, Wu Z, Bonnez Q, Vanhoorelbeke K, Zheng L, Zhao X, Zheng XL. Arginine Methylation by PRMT1 Affects ADAMTS13 Secretion and Enzymatic Activity. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2025 Feb 13;. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.124.322249. PubMed PMID: 39945068.
Review
Liu J, Zheng L. Microplastic migration and transformation pathways and exposure health risks. Environ Pollut. 2025 Mar 1;368:125700. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.125700. Epub 2025 Jan 15. PubMed PMID: 39824338
Research Article
Zheng, L; Wu, Z.; Yada, N.; Liu, S.; Lin, C.; Bignotti, A.; Zhao, X.; Zheng, X.L. Modeling ANKRD26 5’-UTR mutation-related thrombocytopenia in zebrafish. Dis. Model Mech. 2025, 10.1242/dmm.052222
Research article
Yada N, Zhang Q, Bignotti A, Gralnek SH, Sosnovske D, Hogan K, Ye Z, Zheng L, Zheng XL. Targeting neutrophil extracellular trap accumulation under flow in patients with immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Blood Adv. 2024 May 28;8(10):2536-2551. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011617. PubMed PMID: 38513079; PMCID: PMC11131081.
Research article
Wu Z, Chen SY, Zheng L. Sulforaphane Attenuates Ethanol-Induced Teratogenesis and Dysangiogenesis in Zebrafish Embryos. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Oct 27;25(21). doi: 10.3390/ijms252111529. PubMed PMID: 39519082; PMCID: PMC11546994.
Research article
Cao W, Trask AR, Bignotti AI, George LA, Doshi BS, Sabatino DE, Yada N, Zheng L, Camire RM, Zheng XL. Coagulation factor VIII regulates von Willebrand factor homeostasis invivo. J Thromb Haemost. 2023 Dec;21(12):3477-3489. doi: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.09.004. Epub 2023 Sep 17. PubMed PMID: 37726033; PMCID: PMC10842601.
Review
Zheng L, Zheng XL. Animal models for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a narrative review. Ann Blood. 2023 Sep 30;8. doi: 10.21037/aob-22-18. Epub 2022 Nov 16. PubMed PMID: 39148951; PMCID: PMC11326488.
Review
Sui J, Zheng L, Zheng XL. ADAMTS13 Biomarkers in Management of Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2023 Aug 1;147(8):974-979. doi: 10.5858/arpa.2022-0050-RA. Review. PubMed PMID: 36223210; PMCID: PMC11033696.
Liang Zheng, PhD.
Principle Investigator
Zhijian Wu, MD.
Researcher
Zhirong Chai, BS.
Rotating Graduate Student
Antonia Bignotti, BS, from University of Kansas
Research Assistant
2021-2023
Cindy Lin, BS, from University of Southern California
Summer Research Student
2023
Jake Hill, MS2, from University of Kansas Medical Center
Summer Research Student
2021
Lucy Zheng, BS, from Bryn Mawr College
Part-time Research Assistant
2021
Zhijian Wu has been awarded the Early Career Award and will deliver an oral presentation titled "A Novel Rat Model Reveals Critical Roles of ADAMTS13 and VWF in the Pathogenesis of PAE and CTEPH" at the ISTH Congress 2025 in Washington, D.C., June 20-25, 2025
3901 Rainbow Blvd, MS 3050
Kansas City, KS 66160
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