Zhang, Ye, Ph.D.

Research

Astrocyte development and the roles of astrocytes in diseases

Appointments

• Assistant Professor
• Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center
• Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior

Biography

Astrocytes constitute at least a third of all cells in human brains. Long thought to be passive support cells, astrocytes are recently found to be critical for the development and function of the central nervous system. Accumulating evidence show that astrocytes are involved in almost every type of neurological and psychiatric disorder.

The cellular and molecular mechanisms that control astrocyte development as well as dysfunction of astrocytes in neurological and psychiatric disorders remains poorly understood.

We combine cell culture and mouse genetic approaches to study the following questions:

• What signals regulate astrocyte maturation?
• How is astrocyte differentiation regulated?
• Can we improve treatment of glioblastoma by studying astrocyte development?
• Are astrocytes involved in intellectual disability and autism?

Publications

1. Wang, C, Liu, JY, Wan, M, Yuan, Q, Zhang, Y, Yu, GY et al.. Cost-Effectiveness of Denosumab for Treating Bone Metastases from Solid Tumors: A Systematic Review (2017-2023). Chin Med Sci J. 2025;40 (3):219-231. doi: 10.24920/004368. PubMed PMID:41099186 .
2. Fu, T, Wang, L, Zhang, Y, Peng, X, Li, H, Zhao, H et al.. The Laccase-Like Mechanism in Peroxymonosulfate-Based Oxidation System for Water Decontamination: Dual-Substrate Activation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2025; :e202515190. doi: 10.1002/anie.202515190. PubMed PMID:41099158 .
3. Zhang, Y, Zhang, Y, Bai, Y, Yan, L, Xu, G, Liu, C et al.. Synergistic Hollow Structure Design and Defect Engineering in Dandelion-Like α-MnO₂ for Superior Radar-Infrared Compatible Camouflage. Adv Mater. 2025; :e12477. doi: 10.1002/adma.202512477. PubMed PMID:41099127 .
4. Zhang, K, Ma, S, Zhang, Y. When leaders "stoop": dual-path mechanisms and social connection reconstruction of humble leader behavior to dispel occupational stigma consciousness. Front Psychol. 2025;16 :1614345. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1614345. PubMed PMID:41099018 PubMed Central PMC12519094.
5. Zhang, Y, Luo, H, Song, S, Qin, R, Chen, Y, Wu, M et al.. Regional Heterogeneity in Screen Time and Usage Habits Associated with Insufficient Hyperopic Reserve in Schoolchildren - 9 PLADs, China, 2020-2024. China CDC Wkly. 2025;7 (40):1277-1283. doi: 10.46234/ccdcw2025.216. PubMed PMID:41099008 PubMed Central PMC12518968.

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