Academic Achievements

Important Academic Research Results and Contributions

From 1984 to the present, more than 185 academic papers have been published, of which 78 have been published in international academic journals. A total of 35 scientific research funds from within and outside the university have been obtained, including projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (11 items), topics of the National Key R & D Program, projects in priority development areas of doctoral disciplines of the Ministry of Education, and key special funds for science and technology of Guangdong Province, etc. In 1998, the research on "The Study of Morphine Promoting Spinal Cord Plasticity Changes" won the third prize of the Science and Technology Progress Award of the Ministry of Health of China. In 1999, he participated in the National Key Basic Research Program (973) "Research on Spinal Cord Injury Repair" led by Academician Ju Gong. In 2017 and 2021, the research on "The Study of Electroacupuncture at Governor Meridian Acupoints Promoting the Repair of Spinal Cord Injury through NT - 3 Mediated Transplantation of Adult Stem Cells" won the second prize of the Natural Science Award of Guangdong Province and the third prize of the Science and Technology Award of the Chinese Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

This research team has been engaged in research on spinal cord plasticity, tissue - engineered neural tissue transplantation for the repair of spinal cord injury, and the repair of spinal cord injury by combined neural electrical stimulation (or electroacupuncture) and neural tissue transplantation, and has achieved the following main academic results:

  1. It was first discovered that morphine can promote the sprouting of primary afferent fibers of the spare root in the medial part of the spinal cord and rebuild synaptic connections with target neurons that have lost primary afferent fiber innervation; after the primary afferent fibers sprouted laterally from the dorsal root ganglion neurons of the spare root and rebuilt synaptic structures in the spinal cord, their cell bodies also underwent corresponding plastic changes, and morphine had a significant promoting effect on these changes; these plastic changes were related to the promotion of morphine on the secretion of neurotrophic active substances in the spinal cord.
  2. It was first proposed and verified the hypothesis that tissue - engineered neuronal relays can rebuild spinal cord injury neural pathways. That is, by using tissue engineering new technologies, a neural tissue or spinal cord tissue with synaptic transmission function is created in vitro, and then it is transplanted to the injured site. At the same time, combined with neural regulation technology, it plays a relay role in transmitting neural information, receiving ascending and descending neural information, and transmitting the information to the host neurons at both ends of the injured site. With this strategy, the functional integration of tissue - engineered neural tissue or spinal cord tissue with the host spinal cord neural pathway is enhanced, enabling the effective transmission of brain - derived excitatory neural information to spinal cord motor neurons, thus improving the motor and sensory functions of paralyzed limbs. This is a theoretical innovation in the field of spinal cord injury repair. For the first time, it clarified a mechanism for rebuilding neural pathways after complete spinal cord injury and enriched the theoretical development in this field.
  3. It was first applied to use the synergistic effect of electroacupuncture stimulation on the meningeal branch sensory afferent nerve endings in the governor meridian acupoints to promote the increase of calcitonin gene - related peptide (CGRP) secreted by dorsal root ganglion neurons into the spinal cord, which acts on spinal cord neurons expressing CGRP receptor (RAMP1), activates the opening of L - type voltage - gated calcium ion channels (L - VGCC) on their cell membranes, causes calcium influx, activates the synthesis and secretion of neurotrophin - 3 (NT - 3) in their cell bodies by regulating the calcium/calmodulin - dependent protein kinase (CaMKs) pathway, mediates the survival, differentiation and migration of exogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) expressing NT - 3 receptor TrkC at the site of complete spinal cord transection/transplantation or spinal demyelinating injury/transplantation, replaces and protects the damaged host neurons, improves the microenvironment of the damaged tissue, promotes the regeneration of neuronal axons and their myelination, improves cortical motor evoked potentials and the motor function of paralyzed limbs.

From the above results, it can be seen that this research team simulates the structural and functional characteristics of the spinal cord in conducting and coordinating neural information, combines the application of neurotrophic factors and their receptors, adult tissue stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells and new tissue engineering technologies such as biomaterials to construct a neural tissue or spinal cord tissue with synaptic transmission function, and then transplants it to the site of complete spinal cord transection. While improving the microenvironment of the damaged tissue, it dynamically integrates and functionally coordinates with the induced endogenous newborn neurons, playing the role of a neuronal relay for repairing neural pathways; through the transplanted relay neurons, it receives ascending and descending excitatory neural information in the spinal cord and transmits the neural information to the postsynaptic neurons at both ends of the injured site of the host, adjusts their activity states, and improves the autonomic motor and sensory functions of the spinal cord. Based on this, an interesting and challenging scientific question is proposed: After complete spinal cord transection in adult mammals, the repair strategy of transplanting tissue - engineered neuronal relays can change the traditional concept that "the ascending and descending nerve fiber tracts in the adult mammalian spinal cord must cross the site of complete spinal cord injury to repair the spinal cord neural pathways and improve the autonomic motor and sensory functions of paralyzed limbs".

This research team will, through subsequent major project topics of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, topics of the National Key R & D Program, key projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, general projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, etc., explore the mechanisms of repair of injured spinal cord neural pathways by combined transplantation of tissue - engineered neural tissue or spinal cord tissue and neural regulation technologies such as neural electrical stimulation, electroacupuncture stimulation, magnetic stimulation, and optogenetic stimulation, stimulate the regenerative potential of injured neuronal axons, promote the establishment of functional synaptic connections between regenerated axons and tissue - engineered neural tissue or spinal cord tissue, effectively activate the functionally silent excitatory motor neural circuits caused by injury, and provide new theories and techniques for the repair of autonomic motor functions after spinal cord injury through synergistic mechanisms.

Publication of Papers

  1. Zhang RY, Wang YH, Deng QW, Xiao XR, Zeng X, Lai BQ, Li G, Ma YH, Ruan JW, Han I, Zeng YS*, Ding Y*. Mesenchymal stem cells combined with electroacupuncture treatment regulate the subpopulation of macrophages and astrocytes to facilitate axonal regeneration in transected spinal cord. Neurospine, 2023, 20(4):1358-1379 
  2. Liu JL, Chen ZH, Wu RJ, Yu HY, Yang SB, Xu J, Wu CR, Guo YN, Hua N, Zeng X, Ma YH, Li G, Zhang L, Chen YF, Zeng YS*, Ding Y*, Lai BQ*. Effects of tail nerve electrical stimulation on the activation and plasticity of the lumbar locomotor circuits and the prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy after spinal cord transection in rats. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 2023, DOI: 10.1111/cns.14445
  3. Liu JL, Wang S, Chen ZH, Wu RJ, Yu HY, Yang SB, Xu J, Guo YN, Ding Y, Li G, Zeng X, Ma YH, Gong YL, Wu CR, Zhang LX, Zeng YS*, Lai BQ*. Therapeutic mechanism of transcranial iTBS on nerve regeneration and functional recovery in rats with complete spinal cord transection. Frontiers in Immunology, 2023,14:1153516
  4. Zeng X, Wei QS, Ye JC, Rao JH, Zheng MG, Ma YH, Peng LZ, Ding Y, Lai BQ, Li G, Cheng SX, Ling AE, Han I, Zeng YS*. A biocompatible gelatin sponge scaffold confers robust tissue remodeling after spinal cord injury in a non-human primate model. Biomaterials, 2023, 299:122161
  5. Lai BQ, Wu RJ, Han WT, Bai YR, Liu JL, Yu HY, Yang SB, Wang LJ, Ren JL, Ding Y, Li G, Zeng X, Ma YH, Quan Q, Xing LY, Jiang B, Wang YQ, Zhang L, Chen ZH, Zhang HB, Chen YF*, Zheng QJ*, Zeng YS*. Tail nerve electrical stimulation promoted the efficiency of transplanted spinal cord-like tissue as a neuronal relay to repair the motor function of rats with transected spinal cord injury. Biomaterials, 2023, 297:122103.
  6. Xiao X, Deng Q, Zeng X, Lai BQ, Ma YH, Li G, Zeng YS, Ding Y. Transcription profiling of a revealed the potential molecular mechanism of Governor Vessel electroacupuncture for spinal cord injury in rats. Neurospine, 2022, 19(3):757-769.
  7. Zeng YS*, Ding Y, Xu HY, Zeng X, Lai BQ, Li G, Ma YH. Electro-acupuncture and its combination with adult stem cell transplantation for spinal cord injury treatment: a summary of current laboratory findings and a review of literature (封面评述论文). CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 2022, 28(5):635-647.
  8. Lai BQ*, Bai YR, Han WT, Zhang B, Liu S, Sun JH, Liu JL, Li G, Zeng X, Ding Y, Ma YH, Zhang L, Chen ZH, Wang J, Xiong Y, Wu JH, Qi Q, Xing LY, Zhang HB, Zeng YS*. Construction of a niche-specific spinal white matter-like tissue to promote directional axon regeneration and myelination for rat spinal cord injury repair. Bioactive Materials, 2022, 11:15-31.
  9. Lai BQ, Zeng X, Han WT, Che MT, Ding Y, Li G, Zeng YS*. Stem cell-derived neuronal relay strategies and functional electrical stimulation for treatment of spinal cord injury. Biomaterials, 2021, 279:121211.
  10. Ma YH, Shi HJ, Wei QS, Deng QW, Sun JH, Liu Z, Lai BQ, Li G, Ding Y, Niu WT, Zeng YS, Zeng X. Developing a mechanically matched decellularized spinal cord scaffold for the in situ matrix-based neural repair of spinal cord injury. Biomaterials, 2021, 279:121192.
  11. Li G, Zhang B, Sun JH, Shi LY, Huang MY, Huang LJ, Lin ZJ, Lin QY, Lai BQ, Ma YH, Jiang B, Ding Y, Zhang HB, Li MX, Zhu P, Wang YQ, Zeng X*, Zeng YS*. An NT-3-releasing bioscaffold supports the formation of TrkC-modified neural stem cell-derived neural network tissue with efficacy in repairing spinal cord injury. Bioactive Materials, 2021, 6:3766-3781.
  12. Yang Y, Xu HY, Deng QW, Wu GH, Zeng X, Jin H, Wang LJ, Lai BQ, Li G, Ma YH, Jiang B, Ruan JW, Wang YQ, Ding Y*, Zeng YS*. Electroacupuncture facilitates the integration of a grafted TrkC-modified MSC-derived neural network into transected spinal cord in rats via increasing neurotrophin-3 (封面研究论文). CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 2021, 27(7):776-791.
  13. Bai YR, Lai BQ*, Han WT, Sun JH, Li G, Ding Y, Zeng X, Ma YH, Zeng YS*. Decellularized optic nerve functional scaffold transplant facilitates directional axon regeneration and remyelination in injured white matter of rat spinal cord. Neural Regen Res, 2021, 16(11):2276-2283.
  14. Xu HY, Yang Y, Deng QW, Zhang BB, Ruan JW, Jin H, Wang JH, Jiale Ren JL, Jiang B, Sun JH, Zeng YS*, Ding Y*. Governor Vessel electro-acupuncture promotes the intrinsic growth ability of spinal neurons through activating CGRP/αCaMKII/NT-3 pathway after spinal cord injury. J Neurotrauma, 2021, 38(6):734-745.
  15. Sun JH, Li G, WuTT, Lin ZJ, Zou JL, Huang LJ, Xu HY, Wang JH, Ma YH, Zeng YS*. Decellularization optimizes the inhibitory microenvironmet of the optic nerve to support neurite growth. Biomaterials, 2020, 258:120289.
  16. 赖碧琴, 曾湘, 丁英, 李戈, 曾园山*。神经元中继器策略修复脊髓损伤的研究进展 (特邀评述论文)。中国科学:生命科学, 2020, 50(10):1013-1024 (中国知名大学及科研院所专栏 中山大学中山医学院&中山大学孙逸仙纪念医院专辑).
  17. Lai BQ, Che MT, Feng B, Bai YR, Li G, Ma YH, Wang LJ, Huang MY, Wang YQ, Jiang B, Ding Y, Zeng X*, Zeng YS*. Tissue-engineered neural network graft relays excitatory signal in the completely transected canine spinal cord. Advanced Science, 2019, 6(22):1901240 (1 of 19).
  18. Huang LJ, Li G, Ding Y, Sun JH, Wu TT, Zhao W, Zeng YS*. LINGO-1 deficiency promotes nerve regeneration through reduction of cell apoptosis, inflammation, and glial scar after spinal cord injury in mice. Exp Neurol, 2019, 320:112965.
  19. Jin H, Zhang YT, Yang Y, Wen LY, Wang JH, Xu HY, Lai BQ, Feng B, Che MT, Qiu XC, Li ZL, Wang LJ, Ruan JW, Jiang B, Zeng X, Deng QW, Li G, Ding Y*, Zeng YS*. Electroacupuncture facilitates the integration of neural stem cell-derived neural network with transected rat spinal cord. Stem Cell Reports, 2019, 12(2):274-289.
  20. Wu GH, Shi HJ, Che MT, Huang MY, Wei QS, Feng B, Ma YH, Wang LJ, Jiang B, Wang YQ, Han I, Ling EA, Zeng X*, Zeng YS*. Recovery of paralyzed limb motor function in canine with complete spinal cord injury following implantation of MSC-derived neural network tissue. Biomaterials, 2018, 181:15-34.
  21. Lai BQ, Feng B, Che MT, Wang LJ, Cai S, Huang MY, Gu HY, Jiang B, Ling EA, Li M, Zeng X*, Zeng YS*. A modular assembly of spinal cord-like tissue endows targeted tissue repair in the transected spinal cord. Advanced Science, 2018, 5(9):1800261(1 of 14).
  22. Li G, Che MT, Zeng X, Qiu CX, Feng B, Lai BQ, Shen HY, Ling EA, Zeng YS*. Neurotrophin-3 released from implant of tissue-engineered fibroin scaffolds inhibits inflammation, enhances nerve fiber regeneration and improves motor function in canine spinal cord injury. J Biomed Mater Res A, 2018, 106(8):2158-2170.
  23. Ma YH, Zeng X*, Qiu XC, Wei QS, Che MT, Ding Y, Liu Z, Wu GH, Sun JH, Pang M, Rong LM, Liu B, Aljuboori Z, Han I, Ling EA, Zeng YS*. Perineurium-like sheath derived from long-term surviving mesenchymal stem cells confers nerve protection to the injured spinal cord. Biomaterials, 2018, 160:37-55.
  24. Zou JL, Liu S, Sun JH, Yang WH, Xu YW, Rao ZL, Jiang B, Zhu QT, Liu XL, Wu JL, Chang C, Mao HQ, Ling EA, Quan DP*, Zeng YS*. Peripheral nerve-derived matrix hydrogel promotes remyelination and inhibits synapse formation. Advanced Functional Materials, 2018, 1705739 (1 of 12).
  25. Wang JM, Qu ZQ, Wu JL, Chung P, Zeng YS*. Mitochondrial protective and anti-apoptosis effects of Rhodiola Crenulata extract on hippocampal neurons in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. Neural Regen Res, 2017, 12(12):2025-2034.
  26. Zhang YT, Jin H, Wang JH, Wen LY, Yang Y, Ruan JW, Zhang SX, Ling EA, Ding Y*, Zeng YS*. Tail nerve electrical stimulation and electro-acupuncture can protect spinal motor neurons and alleviate muscle atrophy after spinal cord transection in rats. Neural Plast, 2017, 2017:7351238 (1 of 11).
  27. Yang XH, Ding Y, Li W, Zhang RY, Wu JL, Ling EA, Wu W, Zeng YS*. Effects of electroacupuncture and the RXR signaling pathway on oligodendrocyte differentiation in the demyelinated spinal cord of rats. Acupunct Med, 2017, 35(2):122-132.
  28. Lai BQ, Che MT, Du BL, Zeng X, Ma YM, Feng B, Qiu XC, Zhang K, Liu S, Shen HY, Wu JL, Ling EA, Zeng YS*. Transplantation of tissue engineering neural network and formation of neuronal relay into the transected rat spinal cord. Biomaterials, 2016, 109:40-54.
  29. 曾园山. 电针督脉经穴联合成体干细胞移植策略在修复脊髓损伤中的研究进展 (特邀评述论文). 中山大学学报(医学科学版)，2017，38(6):801-807,847.
  30. Lin XY, Lai BQ, Zeng X, Che MT, Ling EA, Wu W, Zeng YS*. Cell transplantation and neuroengineering approach for spinal cord injury treatment: A summary of current laboratory findings and review of literature (特邀封面评述论文). Cell Transplant, 2016, 25(8):1425-1438.
  31. Zeng X, Ma YH, Chen YF, Qiu XC, Wu JL, Ling EA, Zeng YS*. Autocrine fibronectin from differentiating mesenchymal stem cells induces the neurite elongation in vitro and promotes nerve fiber regeneration in transected spinal cord injury. J Biomed Mater Res A, 2016, 104(8):1902-1911.
  32. Li G, Che MT, Zhang K, Qin LN, Zhang YT, Chen RQ, Rong LM, Liu S, Ding Y, Shen HY, Long SM, Wu JL, Ling EA, Zeng YS*. Graft of the NT-3 persistent delivery gelatin sponge scaffold promotes axon regeneration, attenuates inflammation, and induces cell migration in rat and canine with spinal cord injury. Biomaterials, 2016, 83:233-248.
  33. Lai BQ, Qiu XC, Zhang K, Zhang RY, Jin H, Li G, Shen HY, Wu JL, Ling EA, Zeng YS*. Cholera toxin B subunit shows transneuronal tracing after injection in an injured sciatic nerve. PLoS One, 2015, 10(12):e0144030 (1 of 13).
  34. Qiu XC, Jin H, Zhang RY, Ding Y, Zeng X, Lai BQ, Ling EA, Wu JL, Zeng YS*. Donor mesenchymal stem cell-derived neural-like cells transdifferentiate into myelin-forming cells and promote axon regeneration in rat spinal cord transection. Stem Cell Res Ther, 2015, 6(1):105 (1 of 17).
  35. Zou J, Hu B, Arpag S, Yan Q, Hamilton A, Zeng YS, Vanoye CG, Li J. Reactivation of lysosomal Ca2+ efflux rescues abnormal lysosomal storage in FIG4-deficient cells. J Neurosci, 2015, 35(17):6801-6812.
  36. Ding Y, Zhang RY, He B, Liu Z, Zhang K, Ruan JW*, Ling EA, Wu JL, Zeng YS*. Combination of electroacupuncture and grafted mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing TrkC improves remyelination and function in demyelinated spinal cord of rats. Scientific Reports, 2015, 5:9133 (1 of 14).
  37. Zeng X, Qiu XC, Ma YH, Duan JJ, Chen YF, Gu HY, Wang JM, Ling EA, Wu JL, Wu WT, Zeng YS*. Integration of donor mesenchymal stem cell-derived neuron-like cells into host neural network after rat spinal cord transection. Biomaterials, 2015, 53:184-201.
  38. Du BL, Zeng X, Ma YH, Lai BQ, Wang JM, Ling EA, Wu JL, Zeng YS*. Graft of the gelatin sponge scaffold containing genetically modified neural stem cells promotes cell differentiation, axon regeneration and functional recovery in rat with spinal cord transection. J Biomed Mater Res A, 2015, 103(4):1533-1545.
  39. Liu Z, He B, Zhang RY, Zhang K, Ding Y, Ruan JW, Ling EA, Wu JL, Zeng YS*. Electroacupuncture promotes the differentiation of transplanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells pre-induced with neurotrophin-3 and retinoic acid into oligodendrocyte-like cells in demyelinated spinal cord of rats. Cell Transplant, 2015, 24(7):1265-1281.
  40. Guo JS*, Qian CH, Ling EA, Zeng YS*. Nanofiber scaffolds for treatment of spinal cord injury. Curr Med Chem, 2014, 21(37):4282-4289.
  41. Zhang K, Liu Z, Li G, Lai BQ, Qin LN, Ding Y, Ruan JW, Zhang SX, Zeng YS*. Electro-acupuncture promotes the survival and differentiation of transplanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells pre-induced with neurotrophin-3 and retinoic acid in gelatin sponge scaffold after rat spinal cord transection. Stem Cell Rev Rep, 2014, 10(4):612-625.
  42. Du BL, Zeng CG, Zhang W, Quan DP, Ling EA, Zeng YS*. A comparative study of gelatin sponge scaffolds and PLGA scaffolds transplanted to completely transected spinal cord of rat. J Biomed Mater Res A, 2014, 102(6):1715-1725.
  43. Lai BQ, Wang JM, Ling EA, Wu JL, Zeng YS*. Graft of a tissue engineered neural scaffold serves as a promising strategy to restore myelination after rat spinal cord transection. Stem Cells Dev, 2014, 23(8):910-921.
  44. Chen YF, Zeng X, Zhang K, Lai BQ, Ling EA, Zeng YS*. Neurotrophin-3 stimulates migration of mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing TrkC. Curr Med Chem, 2013, 20(24): 3022-3033.
  45. Lai BQ, Wang JW, Duan JJ, Chen YF, Gu HY, Ling EA, Wu JL, Zeng YS*. The integration of NSC-derived and host neural networks after rat spinal cord transection. Biomaterials, 2013, 34(12):2888-2901.
  46. Ding Y, Yan Q, Ruan JW, Zhang YQ, Li WJ, Zeng X, Huang SF, Zhang YJ, Wu JL, Fisher D, Dong H*, Zeng YS*. Electroacupuncture promotes the differentiation of transplanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing TrkC into neuron-like cells in transected spinal cord of rats. Cell Transplant, 2013, 22(1):65-86.
  47. Li WJ, Li SM, Ding Y, He B, Keegan J, Dong H, Ruan JW*, Zeng YS*. Electro-acupuncture upregulates CGRP expression after rat spinal cord transection. Neurochem Int, 2012, 61(8):1397-1403.
  48. Zhou Y, Qu ZQ, Zeng YS*, Lin YK, Li Y, Chung P, Wong R, Hägg U. Neuroprotective effect of preadministration with Ganoderma lucidum spore on rat hippocampus. Exp Toxicol Pathol, 2012, 64:673-680.
  49. Zhang YQ, He LM, Xing B, Zeng X, Zeng CG, Zhang W, Quan DP, Zeng YS*. Neurotrophin-3 gene modified Schwann cells promote TrkC gene modified mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into neuron-like cells in PLGA multiple-channel conduit. Cells Tissues Organs, 2012, 199(4):313-322.
  50. Ma YH, Zeng X, Zhang K, Zeng YS*. A new in vitro injury model of mouse neurons induced by mechanical scratching. Neurosci Lett, 2012, 510(1):14-19.
  51. Zhang YJ, Zhang W, Lin CG, Ding Y, Huang SF, Wu JL, Li Y, Dong H, Zeng YS*. Neurotrophin-3 gene modified mesenchymal stem cells promote remyelination and functional recovery in the demyelinated spinal cord of rats. J Neurol Sci, 2012, 313(1-2):64-74.
  52. Qu ZQ, Zhou Y, Zeng YS*, Lin YK, Li Y, Zhong ZQ, Chan WY*. Protective effects of a rhodiola crenulata extract and salidroside on hippocampal neurogenesis against streptozotocin-induced neural injury in the rat. PLoS One, 2012, 7(1):e29641.
  53. Guo JS, Ma YH, Yan Q, Wang LL, Zeng YS*, Wu JL, Li Jun*. Fig4 expression in the nervous system and its protection against abnormal lysosomal accumulation. J Neuropath Exp Neurol, 2012, 71(1):28-39.
  54. Zeng X, Zeng YS*, Ma YH, Lu LY, Du BL, Zhang W, Li Y, Chan WY*. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in a three dimensional gelatin sponge scaffold attenuate inflammation, promote angiogenesis and reduce cavity formation in experimental spinal cord injury. Cell Transplant, 2011, 20(11/12):1881-1899.
  55. Liu Z, Ding Y, Zeng YS*. A new combined therapeutic strategy of Governor Vessel electro-acupuncture and adult stem cell transplantation promotes the recovery of injured spinal cord (an invited review). Curr Med Chem, 2011, 18:5165-5171.
  56. Ding Y, Yan Q, Ruan JW, Zhang YQ, Li WJ, Zeng X, Huang SF, Zhang YJ, Wang S, Dong H, Zeng YS*. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and electro-acupuncture downregulate the inhibitor molecules and promote the axonal regeneration in the transected spinal cord of rats. Cell Transplant, 2011, 20(4):475-491.
  57. Wang JM, Zeng YS*, Wu JL, Li Yan, Teng YD*. Cograft of Schwann cells and neural stem cells overexpressing neurotrophin-3 and TrkC respectively after rat spinal cord transection. Biomaterials, 2011, 32(30):7454-7468.
  58. Du BL, Xiong Y, Zeng CG, He LM, Zhang W, Quan DP, Wu JL, Li Y, Zeng YS*. Transplantation of artificial neural construct partly improved spinal tissue repair and functional recovery in rats with spinal cord transection. Brain Res, 2011, 1400:87-98.
  59. Huang SF, Ding Y, Ruan JW, Zhang W, Wu JL, He B, Zhang YJ, Li Y, Zeng YS*. An experimental electro-acupuncture study in treatment of the rat demyelinated spinal cord injury induced by ethidium bromide. Neurosci Res, 2011,70:294-304.
  60. Yan Q, Ruan JW, Ding Y, Li WJ, Li Y, Zeng YS*. Electro-acupuncture promotes differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, regeneration of nerve fibers and partial functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Exp Toxicol Pathol, 2011, 63:151-156.
  61. Zhang W, Yan Q, Zeng YS*, Zhang XB, Xiong Y, Wang JM,  Chen SJ, Li Y, Bruce IC, Wu WT*. Implantation of adult bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells transfected with the neurotrophin-3 gene and pretreated with retinoic acid in completely transected spinal cord. Brain Res, 2010, 1358:256-271.
  62. Li WJ, Pan SQ, Zeng YS*, Su BG, Li SM, Ding Y, Li Y, Ruan JW*. Identification of acupuncture-specific proteins in the process of electro-acupuncture after spinal cord injury. Neurosci Res, 2010, 67:307-316.
  63. Zhang YQ, Zeng X, He LM, Ding Y, Li Yan, Zeng YS*. NT-3 gene modified Schwann cells promote TrkC gene modified mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into neuron-like cells in vitro. Anat Scie Inter, 2010, 85(2):61-67.
  64. Ding Y, Yan Q, Ruan JW, Zhang YQ, Li WJ, Zhang YJ, Li Y, Dong H, Zeng YS*. Electro-acupuncture promotes survival, differentiation of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells as well as functional recovery in the spinal cord-transected rats. BMC Neurosci, 2009, 10(1):35-47.
  65. Chen QG, Zeng YS*, Qu ZQ, Tang JY, Qin YJ, Chung P, Wong R, Hägg U. The effects of Rhodiola rosea extract on 5-HT level, cell proliferation and quantity of neurons at cerebral hippocampus of depressive rats. Phytomedicine, 2009, 16(9):830-838.
  66. Xiong Y, Zeng YS*, Zeng CG, Du BL , He LM, Quan DP, Zhang W, Wang JM, Wu JL, Li Y, Li J. Synaptic transmission of neural stem cells seeded in 3-dimensional PLGA scaffolds. Biomaterials, 2009, 30: 3711-3722.
  67. Zhang W, Zeng YS*, Wang JM, Ding Y, Li Y, Wu W. Neurotrophin-3 improves retinoic acid-induced neural differentiation of skin-derived precursors through a p75NTR-dependent signaling pathway. Neurosci Res, 2009, 64(2): 170-176.
  68. Qu ZQ, Zhou Y, Zeng YS* , Li Y, Chung P. Pretreatment of Rhodiola Rosea extract can reduce cognitive impairment induced by intracerebroventricular streptozotocin in rats: implication to anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects. Biomed Environ Sci, 2009, 22(4):318-326.
  69. Tang JY，Zeng YS*，Peter C，Wong R，Urban H. Effects of Valeriana officinalis extract on rat depression model. Journal of Chinese Clinical Medicine, 2008, 3(7):374-378.
  70. Chen YY，Zhang W，Chen YL，Chen SJ，Dong H，Zeng YS*. Electro-acupuncture improves survival and migration of transplanted neural stem cells in injured spinal cord in rats. Acupunct Electrother Res, 2008, 33( 1-2 ):19-31.
  71. Guo J, Su H, Zeng YS, Liang YX, Wong WM, Ellis-Behnke RG, So KF, Wu WT. Reknitting the injured spinal cord by self-assembling peptide nanofiber scaffold. Nanomedicine, 2007, 3(4):311-321.
  72. Zhang XB, Zeng YS*, Zhang W, Wang JM, Wu JL, Li J. Co-transplantation of neural stem cells and NT-3-overexpressing Schwann cells in transected spinal cord. J Neurotrauma, 2007, 24(12):1863-1877.
  73. Guo JS, Zeng YS*, Li HB, Huang WL, Liu RY, Li XB, Ding Y, Wu LZ, Cai DZ. Cotransplant of neural stem cells and NT-3 gene modified Schwann cells promote the recovery of transected spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord, 2007, 45(1):15-24.
  74. Wang JM, Zeng YS*, Liu RY, Huang WL, Xiong Y, Wang YH, Chen SJ, Teng YD*. Recombinant adenovirus vector-mediated functional expression of neurotropin-3 receptor (TrkC) in neural stem cells. Exp Neurol, 2007, 203(1):123-127.
  75. Zeng YS, Nie JH, Zhang Wei, Chen SJ, Wu WT. Morphine acts via µ-opioid receptors to enhance spinal regeneration and synaptic reconstruction of primary afferent fibers injured by sciatic nerve crush. Brain Res, 2007,1113:108-113.
  76. Zhang W, Zeng YS*, Zhang XB, Wang JM, Zhang W, Chen SJ. Combination of adenoviral vector-mediated neurotrophin-3 gene transfer and retinoic acid promotes adult bone marrow cells to differentiate into neuronal phenotypes. Neurosci Lett, 2006, 408(2):98-103.
  77. Zhang XB, Zeng YS*, Zhang W, Chen YY, Zhang W, Xiong Y, Chen SJ. Synergistic effect of Schwann cells and retinoic acid on the neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis of hippocampal neural stem cells in vitro. Biomed Environ Sci, 2006, 19(3):219-224.
  78. Zeng YS, Ding Y, Wu LZ, Guo JS, Li HB, Wong WM, Wu WT. Co-transplantation of Schwann cells promotes the survival and differentiation of neural stem cells transplanted into the injured spinal cord. Dev Neurosci, 2005, 27(1):20-26.
  79. Zeng YS, Xu Z C. Co-existence of necrosis and apoptosis in rat hippocampus following transient forebrain ischemia. Neurosci Res, 2000, 37(2):113-125.

 

Authorization of Patents

  1. Zeng Xiang, Ma Huanyuan, Zeng Yuanshan, Wei Qingshuai, Wang Junhua. A device for promoting the regeneration and repair of spinal cord injury by optogenetic stimulation. Granted the invention patent of the People's Republic of China on June 28, 2023. Patent No.: ZL 201910103715.2
  2. Zeng Xiang, Ma Huanyuan, Zeng Yuanshan. A mechanically enhanced acellular spinal cord biomaterial scaffold and its preparation method and application. Granted the invention patent of the People's Republic of China on November 4, 2022. Patent No.: 202110086054.4
  3. Zeng Yuanshan, Li Ge, Ding Ying, Zeng Xiang, Lai Binqin, Ma Aihuan. A 3D-printed spinal cord patch with angiogenic potential. Granted the utility model patent of the People's Republic of China on May 4, 2021. Patent No.: ZL201921830576.5
  4. Zeng Yuanshan, Li Ge. Preparation and application of a chemotactic functional biologically active scaffold. Granted the invention patent of the People's Republic of China on May 4, 2018. Patent No.: ZL 201510252317.9
  5. Zeng Yuanshan, Li Ge, Sun Jiahui. A matrixed acellular nerve scaffold. Granted the utility model patent of the People's Republic of China on January 30, 2018. Patent No.: ZL 201621132126.5
  6. Zeng Yuanshan, Zeng Xiang. Construction of an artificial neural network-like conduit for repairing spinal cord injury. Granted the invention patent of the People's Republic of China on November 6, 2015. Patent No.: ZL 201010506133.8
  7. Zeng Yuanshan, Li Ge. Preparation and application of a chemotactic functional biologically active scaffold. Granted the utility model patent of the People's Republic of China on December 9, 2015. Patent No.: ZL 201520319632.4
  8. Zeng Yuanshan, Zeng Xiang. Construction of a gelatin sponge cylindrical scaffold for repairing nerve injury. Granted the invention patent of the People's Republic of China on June 8, 2011. Patent No.: ZL 200910040176.9
  9. Zeng Yuanshan, Wang Junmei. Construction method of recombinant adenovirus of human neurotrophin-3 receptor gene. Granted the invention patent of the People's Republic of China on July 16, 2008. Patent No.: ZL 200510033569.9

Textbooks and Monographs

  • Chief Editor of Human Anatomy, 947,000 words, published by Science Press, Beijing in 2001.
  • Chief Editor of Histology and Embryology (Examination Tutoring Series), 330,000 words, published by Science and Technology Literature Press, Beijing in 2001.
  • Chief Editor of Experimental Guidance for Histology and Embryology, 200,000 words, published by Science and Technology Literature Press, Beijing in 2002.
  • Chief Editor of the revised edition of Histology and Embryology (Examination Tutoring Materials), 477,000 words, published by Science and Technology Literature Press, Beijing in 2004.
  • Chief Editor of Histology and Embryology, 300,000 words, published by Science Press, Beijing in 2004.
  • Chief Editor of Histology and Embryology Examination Points, 376,000 words, published by Science and Technology Literature Press, Beijing in 2006.
  • Chief Editor of Guidance and Examination Guide for Histology and Embryology, 309,000 words, published by Science and Technology Literature Press, Beijing in 2009.
  • Chief Editor of Histology and Embryology (National Medical Higher Education Planning Textbook), 250,000 words, published by Science Press, Beijing in 2010.
  • Chief Editor of Experimental Guidance for Histology and Embryology, 115,000 words, published by China Medical Science and Technology Press, Beijing in 2011.
  • Chief Editor of A Laboratory Manual of Histology and Embryology, Experimental Guidance for Histology and Embryology (English Version), 194,000 words, published by People's Medical Publishing House, Beijing in 2012.
  • Chief Editor of Experimental Guidance for Histology and Embryology, 146,000 words, published by People's Health Publishing House, Beijing in 2014.
  • Chief Editor of Histology and Embryology (Digital Planning Textbook for Clinical Medicine), National E-bookbag, published by People's Military Medical Publishing House, Beijing in 2015.
  • Chief Compiler of the third edition of Encyclopaedia of China - Modern Medicine Branch Entries of Histology and Embryology of Human Body, published by Encyclopaedia of China Publishing House, Beijing in 2016.
  • Chief Editor of Histology and Embryology (9th Edition National Planning Textbook for Clinical Medicine), published by People's Health Publishing House, Beijing in 2017.
  • Associate Chief Editor of Developmental Neurobiology, published by Science Press, Beijing in 2007.
  • Associate Chief Editor of Regenerative Medicine (National Higher Medical College Textbook), published by People's Health Publishing House, Beijing in 2012.
  • Associate Chief Editor of 5-year Clinical Medicine Histology and Embryology (8th Edition National Planning Textbook), published by People's Health Publishing House, Beijing in 2013.
  • Associate Chief Editor of 8-year Clinical Medicine Histology and Embryology (3rd Edition National Planning Textbook), published by People's Health Publishing House, Beijing in 2015.
  • Associate Chief Editor of Regenerative Medicine (National Higher Medical College Textbook), published by People's Health Publishing House, Beijing in 2017.
  • Deputy Editor Participating in Compiling Cross-Strait Terminology of Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology announced by the National Science and Technology Terminology Verification Committee, published by Science Press, Beijing in 2021.

Research Projects

  1. Mechanism study of neural relay repair for complete spinal cord transection. Major project topic of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81891003), person in charge: Zeng Yuanshan, 2019
  2. Construction of neural tissue modules based on stem cells and research on neural injury repair. National Key R & D Program Project (2017YFA0104700), person in charge: Ding Fei, participant: Zeng Yuanshan, 2017
  3. Translational medical research of three-dimensional gelatin sponge scaffold materials in the treatment of non-human primate spinal cord injury. Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Development Special Fund Project (2017B020210012), person in charge: Zeng Yuanshan, 2017
  4. Mechanism study of Du Mai electroacupuncture promoting stem cell-derived neuronal targeted growth to repair spinal cord injury. General project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81674064), person in charge: Zeng Yuanshan, 2016
  5. Experimental study on repair of damaged spinal neural network by NSC-derived neural network scaffold transplantation. Priority Development Area Project of Doctoral Discipline of Ministry of Education (201300193035), person in charge: Zeng Yuanshan, 2013
  6. Targeted regulation of endogenous neural stem cell differentiation to promote functional synaptic connection between transplanted neural network and host after spinal cord injury. Joint fund project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U1301223), person in charge: Shen Huiyong, participant: Zeng Yuanshan, 2013
  7. Mechanism study on repair of damaged spinal neural network by transplantation of neural network scaffold derived from stem cells. Key project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81330028), person in charge: Zeng Yuanshan, 2013
  8. Mechanism study on the effect of Fig4 gene on neural injury repair - Continued project. Overseas Scholars Cooperation Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81129019), person in charge: Li Jun/Zeng Yuanshan, 2011
  9. Experimental study on the treatment of multiple sclerosis by combined application of Du Mai electroacupuncture and gene-modified MSCs transplantation. General project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30973721), person in charge: Zeng Yuanshan, 2009
  10. Mechanism study on the effect of Fig4 gene on neural injury repair. Overseas Scholars Cooperation Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30828016), person in charge: Li Jun/Zeng Yuanshan, 2008
  11. Mechanism and application research on repair of spinal cord injury promoted by TrkC gene-modified MSCs differentiation and transplantation. General project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30771143), person in charge: Zeng Yuanshan, 2007
  12. Mechanism study on repair of spinal cord injury promoted by combined application of Du Mai electroacupuncture and TrkC gene-modified MSCs transplantation. General project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30472132), person in charge: Zeng Yuanshan, 2004
  13. Mechanism of NT - 3 and its receptor genes and cell therapy promoting spinal cord injury repair. General project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30270700), person in charge: Zeng Yuanshan, 2002
  14. Molecular basis of morphine promoting plastic changes in adult rat spinal cord. General project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (39370242), person in charge: Zeng Yuanshan, 1993

Awards and Honors

  • In 2022, for the "Series of Studies on Repair of Spinal Cord Injury by Transplantation of Stem Cell-derived Neural Network Tissue", won the first prize of Guangdong Medical Science and Technology Award. Certificate No.: GDMA202204106; Award Date: January 2023; Ranking: 1st Winner.
  • In 2017, for the "Study on Repair of Spinal Cord Injury by NT - 3 Mediated Transplantation of Adult Stem Cells through Electroacupuncture at Du Mai Acupoints", won the second prize of Guangdong Provincial Natural Science Award. Certificate No.: A04 - 2 - 01 - R01; Award Date: February 2018; Ranking: 1st Winner.
  • In 2001, for the "Series of Studies on Neurotrophic Active Substances in Spinal Cord Plasticity Changes", won the second prize of Guangdong Provincial Excellent Academic Papers Award in Natural Sciences. Certificate No.: 022; Award Date: December 2001; Ranking: 1st Winner.
  • In 1998, for the "Study on Morphine Promoting Spinal Cord Plasticity Changes", won the third prize of the Science and Technology Progress Award of the Ministry of Health of China. Certificate No.: 98303801; Award Date: September 1998; Ranking: 1st Winner.

Academic Positions

Executive Director of the Chinese Anatomical Society (2006 - 2022); Chairman of the Guangdong Anatomical Society (2007 - 2016); Honorary Chairman of the Guangdong Anatomical Society; Vice Chairman of the Guangdong Human Biological Tissue Engineering Society; Vice Chairman of the Guangdong Cell Biology Society; Deputy Director of the Neural Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering Branch of the Chinese Neuroscience Society; Member of the Academic Committee of the Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Application in Sichuan Province; Member of the Academic Committee of the Key Open Laboratory of Organ Regeneration in Higher Education Institutions in Henan Province.