Dr. Yanqing Zhang

Biography

Yanqing Zhang, MD, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. His research primarily focuses on the interaction between axons and myelinating glia, specifically exploring how these interactions organize axons into functional domains that are essential for conducting nerve impulses. His work on action potentials emphasizes the role of the axon initial segment and Nodes of Ranvier, defining the importance of macromolecular complexes that consist of voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels, cell adhesion molecules, and cytoskeletal scaffold proteins. Disruption in the formation and maintenance of these axonal domains is linked to neurological disabilities and demyelinating disorders. Zhang is particularly interested in the secreted factors from myelinating glia, such as Schwann cells, that influence neuronal phenotypes. His long-term goal is to develop strategies to mitigate the effects of demyelination, contributing to advancements in neurological health.

Research Interests