Zhihua Han, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor 

Research Interests

My research is centered on genes and pathways that contribute to atherosclerosis. Genetic study in mice strains with varying degrees of atherosclerosis propensity has revealed loci that influence atherosclerosis in mouse models. The HspA12A, a distant member of Hsp70 family, is a candidate gene on one of these loci. HspA12A was identified through microarray study comparing peritoneal macrophage expressions, and enriched in atherosclerotic lesion. We are currently studying the function of HspA12A and mechanisms by which it influences the atherosclerosis propensity. Besides making transgenic and knockout mutations in mice, we are studying HspA12A's induction, cellular distribution, associated protein(s), and biochemical functions.

References

 

	Han Z, Truong QA, Park S, Breslow JL.	Related Articles, Links
	Two Hsp70 family members expressed in atherosclerotic lesions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Feb 4;100(3):1256-61. Epub 2003 Jan 27. PMID: 12552099 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

	Han Z, Heath SC, Shmulewitz D, Li W, Auerbach SB, Blundell ML, Lehner T, Ott J, Stoffel M, Friedman JM, Breslow JL.	Related Articles, Links
	Candidate genes involved in cardiovascular risk factors by a family-based association study on the island of Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia. Am J Med Genet. 2002 Jul 1;110(3):234-42. PMID: 12116231 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

	De Oliveira e Silva ER, Kong M, Han Z, Starr C, Kass EM, Juo SH, Foster D, Dansky HM, Merkel M, Cundey K, Brinton EA, Breslow JL, Smith JD.	Related Articles, Links
	Metabolic and genetic determinants of HDL metabolism and hepatic lipase activity in normolipidemic females. J Lipid Res. 1999 Jul;40(7):1211-21. PMID: 10393206 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]