The Primasia International Eye Research Institute of The Chinese University of Hong Kong | China
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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Zhang began his academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Shihezi University in 2013. Inspired to pursue clinical science, he undertook a Ph.D. in Clinical Medicine at Tongji University, completing his doctoral studies in 2020 under the guidance of Professors Guo-Tong Xu and Jingfa Zhang. His doctoral training laid a robust foundation for translational research in ophthalmology.
💼 Professional Endeavors
Following his Ph.D., Dr. Zhang served as an Assistant Research Fellow at the Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine), from 2020 to 2024. In this role, he also functioned as Scientific Secretary, actively contributing to the National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases. Since September 2024, he has held the position of Associate Research Fellow at The Primasia International Eye Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), where he continues to push the frontiers of ophthalmic research.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Zhang’s research centers on the pathogenesis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, and subretinal fibrosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. His scientific approach integrates molecular biology, pharmacology, and clinical ophthalmology.
He has authored over 10 high-impact publications as first or co-first author in Q1 journals such as Pharmacological Research, Phytomedicine, and Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. His works explore:
- Roles of Aquaporin 11 in Müller cell water transport and retinal edema
- Anti-fibrotic effects of Luteolin via Smad2/3 and YAP pathways
- γ-Secretase inhibition as a therapeutic target for subretinal fibrosis
- Erythropoietin's role in maintaining the blood-retinal barrier
His current research is supported by a Youth Program Grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, exploring AQP11-ERS-ATF4 axis signaling in diabetic retinopathy.
🏅 Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Zhang holds a national patent on Aquaporin11 expression enhancement and is a named researcher on multiple national-level grant projects. His contributions have been recognized through:
- Prestigious funding from NSFC Youth and General Programs
- Active membership in the Shanghai Medical Association’s Visual Research Group
- Peer reviewer roles for high-impact journals like iScience and International Immunopharmacology
🌐 Impact and Influence
Dr. Zhang is a valued member of China’s ophthalmic research community, bridging fundamental science with clinical application. His collaborations with prominent institutions and ongoing contributions to professional societies highlight his growing influence. He has served as an academic reviewer and an integral part of collaborative multi-institutional research on vision-threatening disease
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking ahead, Dr. Chaoyang Zhang is poised to redefine therapeutic strategies for vision impairment. His interdisciplinary research, blending genetics, pharmacology, and clinical trials, positions him to make enduring contributions to global eye health. With a strong portfolio of publications, active grants, and a forward-thinking approach, Dr. Zhang represents the future of translational ophthalmology.
Publications
📄 Nintedanib Inhibits Neovascularization and Subretinal Fibrosis in a Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization Mouse Model
Authors: Shiyue Qin, Yingying Zhu, Yinping Liu, Hai Xie, Jingfa Zhang, Chaoyang Zhang, Guoxu Xu
Journal: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
Year: 2025
📄 Glucose transport, transporters and metabolism in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Chaoyang Zhang, Gu L., Xie H., Liu Y., Huang P., Zhang J., Luo D., Zhang J.
Journal: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Basis of Disease
Year: 2024
📄 Wnt5a/β-catenin-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition: a key driver of subretinal fibrosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Dandan Liu, Jingxiao Du, Hai Xie, Haibin Tian, Lixia Lu, Chaoyang Zhang, Guo-Tong Xu, Jingfa Zhang
Journal: Journal of Neuroinflammation
Year: 2024
📄 Application and prospect of gene therapy for fundus vascular diseases (基因治疗在眼底血管性疾病中的应用和展望)
Authors: Chaoyang Zhang, Jingxiang Zhang, Jingfa Zhang
Journal: International Eye Science
Year: 2023
📄 Aquaporin 11 alleviates retinal Müller intracellular edema through water efflux in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Chaoyang Zhang, Dong Luo, Hai Xie, Qian Yang, Dandan Liu, Liang Tang, Jian Zhang, Weijia Li, Haibin Tian, Lixia Lu, Xiaodong Sun, Guo-Tong Xu, Jingfa Zhang
Journal: Pharmacological Research
Year: 2023