Journal of Blood Disorders & Transfusion

Zejuan Li

Zejuan Li
Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine
The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA

Biography

Education and Training:
1999, 7    M. D., Dalian Medical University, China
2002, 7    M. S., Pathology and Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University, China
2005, 6    Ph. D., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gene Research Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, China
2005, 10 – 2006,9    Postdoctoral Scholar (Research Scholar), Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago (Mentors: Drs. Janet D. Rowley and Jianjun Chen)

2006, 10 – 2007, 9    Postdoctoral fellow, Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago (Mentors: Drs. Janet D. Rowley and Jianjun Chen)

2007, 10 – 2010, 1    Postdoctoral Scholar (Research Scholar), Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago (Mentors: Drs. Janet D. Rowley and Jianjun Chen)

Academic Appointments:
2010, 2 - present
    Research Associate (Assistant Professor), Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago

Research Interest

As a cancer research scientist, I’m interested in and focusing on the function of microRNAs (miRNAs) and protein coding genes in acute leukemia and stem cell development. I’m currently doing research on several miRNAs and genes that play an important role in acute myeloid leukemia with different translocations such ast(8;21) orMLL associated leukemia. In particular, I am studying the function of the miRNAs which are highly or lowly expressed in leukemia, and their critical target genes in the development of leukemia, and am also investigating the relevant molecular mechanisms. My goal is to develop a deep understanding of cancer biology, especially the mechanisms leading to leukemogenesis, and to find the potential target for the clinical treatment and bring that knowledge to the benefit of patients.