Cheng Zhu

Cheng Zhu

Regents' Professor; Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering
J. Erskine Love Jr. Endowed Chair; Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering
Executive Director | International Programs; Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering

Our interests lie in the adhesion and signaling molecules of the immune system as well as those involved in platelet adhesion and aggregation. We are primarily focused on early cell surface interaction kinetics and their primary signaling responses, as these are critical in determining how a cell will ultimately respond upon contact with another cell. The majority of our work ranges from single molecule interaction studies using atomic force microscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, or biomembrane force probe assays to single cell studies using micropipette adhesions assays, fluorescence imaging techniques, or real-time confocal microscopy. These assays focus on the mechanics and kinetics of receptor-ligand binding and their downstream signaling effects within cells. T cell receptors, selectins, integrins, and their respective ligands are some of the cell surface molecules currently under investigation in our lab. Understanding the initial interaction between molecules such as these and their subsequent early signaling processes is crucial to elucidating the response mechanisms of these physiological systems. Ultimately, our research strives to help better understand the mechanisms within these systems for possible medical applications in autoimmunity, allergy, transplant rejection, and thrombotic disorders. 

cheng.zhu@bme.gatech.edu

404.894.3269

Office Location:
UAW 1210

Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory

  • BME Profile Page

  • PubMed

    Google Scholar


    Georgia Institute of Technology

    College of Engineering
    Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering
    Research Focus Areas:
  • Biobased Materials
  • Biotechnology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Cancer Immunotherapy
  • Cell Manufacturing
  • Molecular, Cellular and Tissue Biomechanics
  • Additional Research:
    • Bioinformatics
    • Biomechanics
    • Cell biophysics
    • Electron Microscopy
    • Mechanobiology

    Research Affiliations: Regenerative Engineering and Medicine (REM)
    Integrated Cancer Research Center
    Immunoengineering
    Center for ImmunoEngineering

    IRI Connection: