Education

Biography

Dr. Jianying Zhang received her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Pharmaceutical Science and Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in China, and earned her Ph. D. degree in Clinical Pharmacology and Biochemistry in Japan, and Postdoctoral training on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in USA. Currently, Dr. Zhang is a research associate professor at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine. Dr. Zhang has been working on bone regenerative research and tissue engineering for more than 17 years. She has developed a series of biodegradable and biocompatible polyurethane scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. Due to her outstanding contribution to research, Dr. Jianying Zhang was awarded Pitt Innovator Award three times by the University of Pittsburgh. Since 2008, Dr. Zhang extended her research to stem cells and regenerative medicine. Dr. Zhang believes that tendon stem cells play an important role in tendinopathy. She has developed a new protocol for isolating and characterizing tendon stem cells. Dr. Zhang’s research has resulted in over hundred peer-reviewed research publications. Dr. Zhang’s research exemplifies the translation from bench to bedside. She holds more than 35 patents, and some of the products generated from her patents have been approved by the FDA (USA) and put into clinical practice.

Research Interest

Dr. Zhang has overlapping research interests and in the last 8 years since Dr. Zhang joined the department of orthopedic surgery, her research has focused on tendon and bone diseases, especially bone and tendon regeneration and repair, an area Dr. Zhang has been working on for more than 17 years. It is well known that successful development of a tissue engineered product requires the integration of new knowledge across diverse fields. Dr. Zhang is fully trained with over 30 years of professional experiences in pharmacology, cell biology, molecular biochemistry, material science, polymer chemistry, computing and imaging sciences and engineering. Dr. Zhang believed that tissue engineering is a field where she can truly leverage her interdisciplinary background. Currently, Dr. Zhang’s research includes the follows:

1. Stem cell research and applications.
2. Orthopaedic research on tendon/ligament, cartilage and bone regeneration.
3. Biomechanics and sports medicine.
4. Biomaterials (synthesis and medical applications).
5. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
6. Drug delivery and control-release.

Scientific Activities:

Awards and Honors

• Pitt Innovator Award, University of Pittsburgh, USA (Three times, 2006, 2007, 2008)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, National Tissue Engineering Center, USA (2003 - 2005)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative Inc. USA (2001 - 2003)
• Japanese Ministry of Culture Scholarship (1993 -1999)
• National Science and Technology Progress Award, China (1992)
• Outstanding Technological Invention Award, China (1992)
• Outstanding Teacher Award, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China (4 times, 1983, 1984, 1990, 1991)
• Outstanding Research Paper Award from Chinese Pharmaceutical Society (1983)
• Outstanding Researcher Award, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China (Twice, 1983, 1984)
• Outstanding Student Award, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China (4 times, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981)  

Editor/Reviewer

• Lead Guest Editor for Stem Cells International (Special Issue 2016)
• Editor Board for Clinical Orthopedics leaflets (2015 – present)
• Editor Board for Clinical Rheumatology leaflets (2015 – present)
• Editor Board for Austin Sports Medicine (2015 – present)
• Editor Board for Chinese Journal of Biology (2013 – present)
• Editor Board for Annals of Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Editor Board for The Scientific Pages of Leukemia Research
• Reviewer for Arthritis Research UK Foundation (2011 – present)
• Reviewer for more than 20 Scientific Research Journals including Biomaterials, Acta Biomateriallia, Tissue Engineering, Journal of Orthopaeidc Research (JOR), American Sports Medicine, The Journal

Publications

1. Zhang Jianying, Yuan T, Zheng N, Zhou Y, Hogan M, Wang JH-C. Kartogenin (KGN) with PRP promotes fibrocartilage formation in wounded rat Achilles tendon entheses. Bone & Joint Research, in press, 2016.
2. Zhang Jianying, Yuan T, Wang JH-C. Moderate treadmill running exercise prior to tendon injury enhances wound healing in aging rats. Oncotarget, 7(8):8498-8512, 2016.
3. Zhou Y, Zhang Jianying, Yang J, Narava M, Zhao G, Hogan M, Wang JH-C. Kartogenin promotes the formation of fibrocartilage zone between tendon graft and bone tunnel. Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, In press, 2016.
4. Yuan T, Zhang Jianying, Zhao G, Zhou Y, Zhang C, Wang JH. Creating an animal model of tendinopathy by inducing chondrogenic differentiation with kartogenin. Plos One, 11(2):e0148557, 2016.
5. Zhang Jianying, Wang JH-C. Moderate exercise mitigates the detrimental effects of aging on tendon stem cells. PLoS ONE 10(6):e0130454, 2015.
6. Zhou Y, Zhang Jianying, Wu H, Hogan M, Wang JH. The differential effects of leukocyte-containing and pure platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on tendon stem/progenitor cells – implications of PRP application for the clinical treatment of tendon injuries. PMID: 26373929; Stem Cell Research & Therapy 6:173-185, 2015.
7. Gui J, Zhang Jianying, Huang H. Isolation and characterization of meniscus derived stem cells from rabbit as a possible treatment for damages meniscus. Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 10(6):353-363, 2015.
8. Zhang Jianying, Wang JH-C. PRP treatment effects on degenerative tendinopathy – an in vitro model study. Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons, 4(1):10-17, 2014.
9. Zhang Jianying, Wang JH-C. Kartogenin (KGN) induces cartilage-like tissue formation in tendon-bone junction. Bone Research, 2(1):61-70, 2014.
10. Zhang Jianying, Wang JH-C. Prostagladin E2 (PGE2) exerts biphasic effects on human tendon stem cells. PLoS ONE 9(2):e87706, 2014.
11. Zhang jianying, Pan T, Wang JH-C. Cryotherapy suppresses tendon inflmmation in a animal model. Journal of Orthopaedic Translation, 2(2):75-81, 2014
12. Forman M, Zhang Jianying, Wu S, Mi Z, Hou D, Jackson E. Development of a novel adenosine-eluting guidewire (Adenowire) for coronary vasodilation during percutaneous coronary intervention. EuroIntervention, 9(11):1323-1332, 2014.
13. Wang JHC, Zhang Jianying, Nirmala X. Advancements in the treatment and repair of tendon injuries. Current Tissue Engineering, 3(2):71-81, 2014.
14. Zhang Jianying, Wang JH-C. An irradiation-injection approach to study tendon stem cell differentiation in a mouse model. Tissue Engineering: Part A, 21, Supplement 1, S290, 2015.
15. Zhang Jianying, Wang JH-C. The effect of mechanical loading on tendons – An in vivo and in vitro model study. PLoS ONE 8(8):e71740, 2013.
16. Zhang Jianying, Wang JH-C. Human tendon stem cells better maintain their stemness in hypoxic conditions. PLoS ONE 8(4):e61424, 2013.
17. Zhang Jianying, Middleton K, Fu F, Im H, Wang JH-C. HGF mediates the anti-inflammatory effects of PRP on injured tendons. PLoS ONE 8(6): e67303, 2013.
18. Zhang Jiang, Keenan C, Wang JH-C. The effects of dexamethasone on human patellar tendon stem cells: implications for dexamethasone treatment of tendon injury. J Orthop Res 31(1):105-110, 2013.
19. Yang Y, Zhang Jianying, Qian Y, Dong S, Huang H, Boada F, Fu F, Wang JH-C. Superparamagnetic iron oxide is suitable to label tendon stem cells and track them in vivo with MR imaging. Annals of Biomedical Engineering 41(10):2109-2119, 2013.
20. Zhang Jianying, Wang JH-C. BMP-2 mediates PGE2-induced reduction of proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human tendon stem cells. J Orthop Res 30(1):47-52, 2012.
21. Zhang Jianying, Li B, Wang JH-C. The role of engineered tendon matrix in the stemness of tendon stem cells in vitro and the promotion of tendon-like tissue formation in vivo. Biomaterials 32(29):6972-6981, 2011.
22. Zhang Jianying, Pan T, Im HJ, Fu FH, Wang JH-C. Differential properties of human ACL and MCL stem cells may be responsible for their differential healing capacity. BMC Med 9:28, 2011. PMID: 21635735;
23. Zhang Jianying, Wang JH-C. Production of PGE2 increases in tendons subjected to repetitive mechanical loading and induces differentiation of tendon stem cells into non-tenocytes. J Orthop Res 28:198-203, 2010.
24. Zhang Jianying, Wang JH-C. Platelet-rich plasma releasates promotes differentiation of tendon stem cells into active tenocytes. Am J Sports Med 38 (12):2477-2486, 2010.
25. Zhang Jianying, Wang JH-C. Characterization of differential properties of rabbit tendon stem cells and tenocytes. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 11:10, 2010.
26. Zhang Jianying, Wang, JH-C. Mechanobiological response of tendon stem cells: implications of tendon homeostasis and pathogenesis of tendinopathy. J Orthop Res 28:639-643, 2010.
27. Zhang Jianying, Pan T, Liu Y, Wang JH-C. Mouse treadmill running enhances tendons by expanding the pool of tendon stem cells (TSCs) and TSC-related cellular production of collagen. J Orthop Res 28:1178-1183, 2010.
28. Sivak W, Zhang Jianying, Petoud S, Beckman E. Simultaneous drug release at different rates from biodegradable polyurethane foams. Acta Biomaterialia, 5(7): 2398-2408, 2009.
29. Sivak W, Zhang Jianying, Petoud S, Beckman E. Incorporation of ionic ligands accelerates drug release from LDI-glycerol polyurethanes. Acta Biomaterialia, 6(1):144-153, 2009.
30. Szczodry M, Zhang Jianying, Lim CT, Davitt HL, Yeager T, Fu F, Wang JHC. Treadmill running exercise results in the presence of numerous myofibroblasts in mouse patellar tendons. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 27(10):1373-1378, 2009.
31. Sivak W, Pollack I, Petoud S, Zamboni W, Zhang Jianying. Beckman E. Catalyst-dependent drug loading of LDI-glycerol polyurethane foams leads to differing controlled release profiles. Acta Biomaterialia 4(5): 1263-1274, 2008.
32. Sivak W, Pollack I, Petoud S, Zamboni W, Zhang Jianying. Beckman E. LDI-glycerol polyurethane implants exhibit controlled release of DB-67 and anti-tumor activity in vitro against malignant gliomas. Acta Biomaterialia 4:852-862, 2008.
33. Forman MB, Zhang Jainying, Mi ZC, Jackson EK. Development of novel adenosine polymers for coating medical devices. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 53: 10, A21, 2009.
34. Doll B, Zhang Jianying. Three-dimensional biocompatible ascorbic acid-containing scaffold for mineralization. Bone 40(6):S168, 2007.
35. Yates CC, Whaley D, Babu R, Zhang Jianying, Krishna P, Beckman EJ, Pasculle AW, Wells A. The effect of multifunctional polymer-based gel on wound healing in full thickness bacteria-contaminated mouse skin wound models. Biomaterials 28(27):3977-3986, 2007.
36. Liu G, Yamashita K, Manabe M, Zhang Jianying, Masuoka N, Kodama H. Effect of Agkistroden Blomhoff (Mamushi) on superoxide generation in human neutrophils. Clinic Biochemistry 39(8):781-787, 2006.
37. Babu R, Zhang Jianying, Beckman EJ, Virji M, Pasculle AW, Wells A. Antimicrobial activities of silver used as a polymerization catalyst for a wound-healing matrix. Biomaterials 27(24):4304-4314, 2006.
38. Babu R, Zhang Jianying, Beckman EJ, Pasculle AW, Wells A. A polymer-based gel to promote wound healing. American Journal of Clinical Pathology 124 (3): 455-455, 2005.
39. YangQ, YangG, Zhang Jianying, Masuoka N, Riffle YZ, Wang Z, Ebinuma H, Kodama H. Effect of Agkistroden blomhoffi (mamushi) on the proliferation of human fibroblasts. Clinical Biochemistry, 37:138-145, 2004.
40. Zhang Jianying, Doll BA, Beckman EJ, Hollinger JO. Three-dimensional biocompatible ascorbic acid-containing scaffold for bone tissue engineering. Tissue Engineering 9 (6):1143-1157, 2003.
41. Nakayama K, Awata S, Zhang Jianying, Kaba H, Manabe M, Kodama H. Characteristics of prolidase from the erythrocytes of normal humans, patients with prolidase deficiency and their mother. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 41 (10):1323-1328, 2003.
42. Zhang Jianying, Doll BA, Beckman EJ, Hollinger JO. A biodegradable polyurethane-ascorbic acid scaffold for bone tissue engineering. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research 67A (2):389-400, 2003.
43. Zhang Jianying, Beckman EJ, Hu J, Yang GG, Agarwal S, Hollinger JO. Synthesis, biodegradability, and biocompatibility of lysine diisocyanate-glucose polymers. Tissue Engineering 8 (5):771-785, 2002.
44. Yang Q, Populo S, Zhang Jianying, Yang G, Kodama H. Effect of Angelica sinensis on the proliferation of human bone cells. Clin Chim Acta 324:89-97, 2002.
45. Masuoka N, Zhang Jianying, Partoo L, Ohta J, Sasaki K, Ebinuma H, Kodama H. A new dipeptide, O-phosphoserylethanolamine isolated from agkistroden blomhoffi (mamushi). Arch Biochem Biophys 407:184-188, 2002.
46. Ma D, Zhang Jianying, Sugahara K, Sagara Y, Kodama H. Effect of sarsasapogenin and its derivatives on the stimulus coupled responses of human neutrophils. Clin Chim Acta 314:107-12, 2001.
47. Kodama H, Zhang Jianying, Sugahara K, Sagara Y, Masuoka Y. Cyatathionine metabolism in patients with cystathioninuria and effect of priming of cystathionine metabolites on superoxide generation in human neutrophils. Recent Res Devel Biophys Biochem 1:189-199, 2001.
48. Zhang Jianying, Beckman EJ, Piesco NP, Agarwal S. A new peptide-based urethane polymer for tissue engineering: synthesis and biodegradation. Biomaterials 21:1247-1258, 2000.
49. Kodama H, Zhang Jianying, Sugahara K. Novel priming compounds of cystathinine metabolites on superoxide generation in human neutrophils. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 269:297-301, 2000.
50. Nakayama K, Awata S, Zhang Jianying, Ebinuma H, Mariyama T, Kodama H. Contents of sulfur amino acids, and cystathionine beta-synthase and gamma-lyase activities in various tissues from Agkistroden blomhoffi (mamushi). Physiol Chem Phys Med NMR 32:21-26, 2000.
51. Yasuda M, Sugahara K, Zhang Jianying, Shuin T, Kodama H. Effect of cisplatin treatment on the urinary excretion of guanidinoacetic acid, creatinine and creatine in patients with urinary tract neoplasm, and on superoxide generation in human neutrophils. Physiol Chem Phys Med NMR 32:119-125, 2000.
52. Hashida M, Fukushima A, Zhang Jianying, Kodama H, Ueno H. Involvement of superoxide generated by polymorphonuclear leukocytes in endotoxin-induced uveitis. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 238:359-65, 2000.
53. Kanabe N, Zhang Jianying, Meng Z, Xu S, Sugahara K, Doi Y, Kodama H. Effect of timosaponin E1 and E2 on superoxide generation induced by various stimuli in human neutrophils and on platelet aggregation in human blood. Clin Chim Acta 295:129-140, 2000.
54. Hashida M, Fukushima A, Zhang Jianying, Kodama H, Ueno H. Involvement of superoxide generated by polymorphonuclear leukocytes in endotoxin-induced uveitis. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 238:359-65, 2000.
55. Zhang Jianying, Meng Z, Zhang M, Ma D, Xu S, Kodama H. Effect of six saponins isolated from Bioanemarrhenae rhizoma on platelet aggregation and hemolysis in human blood. Clin Chim Acta 289:79-88, 1999.
56. Zhang Jianying, Zhang M, Sugahara K, Sagara Y, Meng Z, Xu S, Kodama H. Effect of steroidal saponins of Anemarrhenae rhizoma on superoxide generation in human neutrophils. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun, 259, 636-639, 1999.
57. Zhang Jianying, Sugahara K, Ushikoshi I, Ushikoshi S, Seto K, Kodama H. Effect of water extracts of Rhizopus delemar on the stimulus coupled responses of neutrophils and their modulation by various protein kinase inhibitors. Clin Chim Acta 282:89-100, 1999.
58. Zhang Jianying, Zhang M, Sugahara K, Sagara Y, Spirito A, Duprè S, Kodama H. D-cystathionine ketimine and L-cystathionine ketimine enhance superoxide generation by human neutriphils in a different manner. Arch Biochem Biophys 363:55-59, 1999.
59. Ma D, Zhang Jianying, Sugahara K, Ageta T, Nakayama K, Kodama H. Simultaneous determination of N-acetylaspartic acid, N-acetylglutamic acid, and N-acetylaspartylglutamic acid in whole brain of 3-mercaptopropionic acid-treated rats using liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Anal Biochem 276:124-128, 1999.
60. Meng Z, Zhang Jianying, Xu S, Sugahara K. Steroidal saponins from anemarrhena asphodeloides and their effects on superoxide gegeration. Planta Med 65:661-663, 1999.
61. Ma D, Zhang Jianying, Sugahara K, Ageta T, Nakayama K, Kodama H. Simultaneous determination of gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid in the brain of 3-mercaptopropionic acid-treated rats using liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl 726:285-90, 1999.
62. Yasuda K, Ogata K, Kariya K, Kodama H, Zhang Jianying, Sugahara K, Sagara Y, Kodama H. Corticosteroid treatment of prolidase deficiency skin lesions by inhibiting iminodipeptide-primed superoxide generation. Br J Dermatol 141:846-851, 1999.
63. Zhang Jianying, Sugahara K, Yasuda K, Kodama H, Sagara Y, Kodama H. The effects of serum iminodipeptides and prednisolone on superoxide generation and tyrosyl phosphorylation of proteins in neutrophils from a patient with prolidase deficiency. Free Radical Bio Med 24:689-698, 1998.
64. Zhang Jianying, Zhang M, Ma D, Sugahara K, Kodama H. Matabolism of cystathionine, Nac-cystathionine Perhydro-1,4-thiazepine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid and cystathionine ketimine in the liver and kidney of D,L-propargylglycine treated rats. Metabolism 47:1233-1238, 1998.
65. Shimazaki Y, Zhang Jianying, Wakiguchi H, Kurashige T, Sagara Y, Masuoka N, Ohta J, Ubuka T, Kodama H. Different effect of diastereisomers of L-cystathionine sulfoxide on the stimulus coupled responses of human neutrophils. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 247:387-391, 1998.
66. Zhang Jianying, Sagara Y, Hashimoto K, Fontana M, Dupre S, Kodama H. Lanthionine ketimine and S-(2-aminoethyl)-L-cysteine ketimine induced the tyrosyl phosphrylation of 45 kDa protein in perallel with its stimulation of superoxide generation in human neutrophils. Physiol Chem Phys and Med NMR 29:199-211, 1997.
67. Sugahara K, Zhang Jianying, Watanabe Y, Sagara Y, Kodama H. Effect of protein kinase inhibitors on the superoxide generation and tyrosyl phosphorylation of prolylproline-primed human neutrophils. Clin Biochem 30:75-78, 1997.
68. Ito O, Zhang Jianying, Zhang M, Sagara Y, Masuoka N, Ubuka T, Kodama H. Priming effect of N-acetyl-S-(3-oxo-3-carboxyl-n-propyl)cysteine in human neutrophils and tyrosyl phosphorylation of 45 kDa protein. Clin Chim Acta 266:93-104, 1997.
69. Yasuda M, Sugahara K, Zhang Jianying, Ageta T, Shuin T, Kodama H. Simultaneous determination of creatinine, creatine and guanidinoacetic acid in human serum and urine by using LC/APCI-MS. Anal Biochem 253:231-235, 1997.
70. Yu S, Sugahara K, Zhang Jianying, Ageta T, Kodama H. Simultaneous determination of urinary cystathionine, lanthionine, S-(2-aminoethyl)-L-cysteine and their cyclic compounds using liquid chromatohraphy-mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. J Chromatogr B 698:301-307, 1997.
71. Zhang Jianying, Sugahara K, Sagara Y, Hashimoto K, Masuoka N, Kodama H. Identification of cyclic cystathionine sulfoxide and N-acetylcyclic cystathionine in the urine of a patient with cystathioninuria using LC/APCI-MS. Metabolism 45:1312-1316, 1996.
72. Zhang Jianying, Sagara Y, Fontana M, Dupre S, Cavallini D, Kodama H. Effect of cystathionine and cystathionine metabolites on the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in human neutrophils. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 224:849-854, 1996.
73. Zhang Jianying, Sugahara K, Sagara Y, Fontana M, Dupre S, Kodama H. Effect of cystathionine ketimine on the stimulus coupled responses of neutrophils and their modulation by various protein kinase inhibitors. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 218:371-376, 1996.
74. Zhang Jianying, Tsuboyama N, Kodama H. Simultaneous determination of cystathionine and NAc-cystathionine using liquid chromatography atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Ana. Biochem 224:17-20, 1995.
75. Zhang Jianying, Masuoka N, Ubuka T, Sugahara K, Kodama H. Identification of N-acetyl-S-(3-oxo-3-carboxy-n-propyl)cysteine in the urine of a patient with cystathioninuria using LC/APCI/MS. J Inher Metab Dis 18:675-681, 1995.
76. Zhang Jianying, Masuoka N, Ubuka T, Kodadama H. Identification and determination of cystathionine sulfoxide and NAc-cystathionine sulfoxide in the urine of a patient with cystathioninuria using liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry. J Mass Spectrom 30:12960-1302, 1995.
77. Machida Y, Zhang Jianying, Hashimoto K, Wakiguchi H, Kurashige T, Masuoka N, Ubuka T, Kodama H. Identification of perhydro-1,4-thiazepine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, cystathionine mono-oxo acids, cystathionine ketimines, cystathionine sulfoxide, N-acetyl-cystathionine sulfoxide in the urine sample of D,L-propargylglycine treated rats. Physiol Chem Phys and Med NMR 27:203-216, 1995.
78. Zhang Jianying, Machida Y, Sugahara K, Kodama H. Determination of D,L-propargylglycine and N-acetylpropargylglycine in urine and several tissues of D,L-propargylglycine-treated rats using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B 660:375-379, 1994.
79. Sugahara K, Zhang Jianying, Kodama H. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of N-acetylamino acids in human urine. J Chromatogr B 657:15-21, 1994.
80. Sugahara K, Zhang Jianying, Yamamoto Y, Yasuda K, Kodama H, Kodama H. Measurement of iminodipeptides in the serum of patients with prolidase deficiency using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Eur J Clin Chem Clin Biochem 32:113-117, 1994.