Research

The research of Dr. Zhu focuses on understanding the neuropathophysiological mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases, e.g., Alzheimer's disease, using in vivo two-photon microscopy and in vivo electrophysiology. The ultimate goal is to explore the potential signature and early biomarkers in the early presymptomatic stage and eventually help for the clinical diagnosis. Dr. Zhu also interesting in exploring the mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases affect memory formation and consolidation. Dr. Zhu is also involved in Shenzhen Brain Science Infrastructure and is responsible for the operation management and technical training of experimental animal platforms.

Biography

2021 - Present The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Senior engineer

2017 - 2020 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Postdoctoral associate

2013 - 2017 German center for neurodegenerative diseases, Doctoral student

2011 – 2013 Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department of biology, Master student

2008 – 2011 Shenzhen University, College of life sciences, Master student

2004 – 2008 Shenzhen University, College of life sciences, Bachelor student

Selected publications

1. Zhu K, Xiang X, Filser S, Marinkovic P, Dorostkar MM, Crux S, Neumann U, Shimshek DR, Rammes G, Haass C et al (2018) Beta-Site Amyloid Precursor Protein Cleaving Enzyme 1 Inhibition Impairs Synaptic Plasticity via Seizure Protein 6. Biol Psychiatry 83: 428-437
2. Zhu K, Peters F, Filser S, Herms J (2018) Consequences of Pharmacological BACE Inhibition on Synaptic Structure and Function. Biol Psychiatry 84: 478-487
3. Zou C, Crux S, Marinesco S, Montagna E, Sgobio C, Shi Y, Shi S, Zhu K, Dorostkar MM, Muller UC et al (2016) Amyloid precursor protein maintains constitutive and adaptive plasticity of dendritic spines in adult brain by regulating D-serine homeostasis. EMBO J 35: 2213-2222
4. Xiang X, Piers TM, Wefers B, Zhu K, Mallach A, Brunner B, Kleinberger G, Song W, Colonna M, Herms J et al (2018) The Trem2 R47H Alzheimer's risk variant impairs splicing and reduces Trem2 mRNA and protein in mice but not in humans. Mol Neurodegener 13: 49
5. Rammes G, Mattusch C, Wulff M, Seeser F, Kreuzer M, Zhu K, Deussing JM, Herms J, Parsons CG (2017) Involvement of GluN2B subunit containing N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in mediating the acute and chronic synaptotoxic effects of oligomeric amyloid-beta (Abeta) in murine models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neuropharmacology 123: 100-115
6. Rammes G, Seeser F, Mattusch K, Zhu K, Haas L, Kummer M, Heneka M, Herms J, Parsons CG (2018) The NMDA receptor antagonist Radiprodil reverses the synaptotoxic effects of different amyloid-beta (Abeta) species on long-term potentiation (LTP). Neuropharmacology 140: 184-192