The Zhang Lab has achieved an exceptional milestone with 12 abstract presentations accepted for the American Heart Association (AHA) 2026 Scientific Sessions, highlighting the breadth, productivity, and scientific impact of the laboratory’s research program. The 2026 Scientific Sessions will take place Nov. 6-9, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
Adding to the significance of this accomplishment, each of the 12 abstracts will be published in Circulation Research, a leading high-impact journal in cardiovascular research.
The presentations span a wide range of innovative projects focused on cardiac regeneration, cardiomyocyte maturation, gene therapy, cardiovascular repair, ischemic disease, and cellular and molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular function.
“We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of our trainees and faculty” said Jianyi (Jay) Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. “These 12 presentations reflect the significant projects underway in the lab and, importantly, the continuous hard work and teamwork of everyone involved.”
The Zhang Lab’s 12 presentations at the AHA 2026 Scientific Sessions include:
Bijay Guragain, Ph.D. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, 10:30 a.m.
“Valproic Acid Promotes Cardiac Regeneration and Improves Cardiac Function Following Myocardial Infarction”
Bijay Guragain, Ph.D. Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, 3:15 p.m.
“Prolonged Culture Improves Cardiomyocyte Electrophysiological and Structural Maturation with Reduced Benefits Beyond Three Months”
Kaili Hao, Ph.D. Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, 10:45 a.m.
“Mild Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, via Low-dose of Tunicamycin, Promoted Cardiomyocyte Cell-cycle”
Thanh Nguyen, Ph.D. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, 10:30 a.m.
“SnRNA/ATACseq Reveals That MYCN Regulates Cardiac Myocyte, Fibroblast, Endothelial Cell, and Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation”
Kevin Song, Ph.D. Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, 11:30 a.m.
“Virtual Screening of Purchasable ZINC Compounds Identifies Small-Molecule Inducers of Mitosis and Cytokinesis in Human iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes”
Lei Ye, Ph.D. Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, 12:15 p.m.
“Endothelial Cells Offer a Better Option Than Smooth Muscle Cells for the Treatment of Ischemic Limb Diseases”
Yuhua Wei, Ph.D. Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, 1:45 p.m.
“Generation and Characterization of a Stable Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells-Netrin-1 Overexpression Cell Line for Cardiovascular Repair”
Yuhua Wei, Ph.D. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, 10:30 a.m.
“Nanoparticle-Mediated Endothelial Targeting of Follistatin Gene Therapy for Enhanced Cardiac Regeneration”
Yalin Wu, Ph.D. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, 1:45 p.m.
“Overexpression of Mitochondrial Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase Improves Diabetic Endothelial Cell Phenotype and Function”
Yalin Wu, Ph.D. and John Zhang Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, 1:45 p.m.
“Nanoparticle-Mediated Endothelial-Specific Follistatin Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Ischemic Limb Disease”
Hanyu Zhang, Ph.D. Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, 8:00 a.m.
“Electrical Synchronization of hiPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes Across Wide Non-Excitable Barrier Through Heterocellular Coupling Enhanced by Connexin-43 Overexpression”
Sophia Zhang and Lei Ye, Ph.D. Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, 12:15 p.m.
“Endothelial FoxM1 Gene Transfer Therapy Improves Perfusion Recovery and Limb Function in Mouse Models of Hindlimb Ischemia”