Research

Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology inherits its fine tradition of PUMC, and carries out scientific researches in favorable academic atmosphere. Early studies involved gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, histology and embryology. One of the scientific achievements, the 'enzyme-labeled ligand method', is coined as a fundamental approach of neuroanatomy in the 90's by international authorative literatures. Prof. Zuogan Zhang wrote the first lecture notes of histochemistry in China by himself, started histochemistry workshops and promoted it among colleges and research institutions all over the country. He made remarkable contribution to the development of histochemical technique in China. Prof. Jun Zhang initiated the Chinese Society for Anatomical Sciences in 1947 and also played a key role in the restoration of this society. He established Acta Anatomica Sinica and Anatomy Letters, which remain the core journals in morphological science.

With the guidance of Prof. Jun Zhang and Zuogan Zhang, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology have stared research in a variety of fields, obtaining financial support from several programs of National Natural Science Foundation and other research foundations, publishing a number of academic papers. Following Prof. Jun Zhang’s tenet of rigorous scholarship, the department has cultivated series of distinguished education and research experts, such as academician Shepu Xue, Zuogan Zhang, Bingchang Zhang, Huizhu Yu, Huizhen Li, Xuancai Wan, Tongsun Shao, Jing Xu, Shijuan Ye, Jinchan Lv, Baikuan Ye, Zenglu Xu, Weisan Ye, Chenggang Cao etc.. Not only did they make significant contributions to the academic and research work for our department , they also play pivotal roles in research management of other medical schools and relevant departments.

Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology maintains fine research continuity in fields of neurobiology, male reproductive biology and extracellular matrix(ECM) biology, with programs currently in progress. Prof. Zenglu Xu’s research team continues their focus in reproductive biology and ECM biology. Funded by National Natural Science Foundation, Prof.Yongmei Chen’s research, Autophagy in the Process of Spermiogenesis is being carried out. Young faculty members actively participate in academic activities, applying for funds and other study projects, and setting their direction of research.

Prof.Chao Ma, dean of the department, pioneers in academic work.With the support of school fund, Prof.Ma leads a neurobiology laboratory, which targets the mechanism of itching and chronic pain. This research team now consists of two professors (incorporating the re-engaged esteemed neurobiologist, Prof. Yikuan Xie), one associate professor, two teaching fellows, one research assistant, one supervising technician, two PhD candidates, one master degree candidate, and five MD candidates. An Anesthesia-Pain Labratory is founded under the cooperation with Anesthesiology Department of PUMC Hospital,  launching translational medicine studies on chronic pain. The program is funded by Surface Project of National Natural Science Foundation and PUMC Young Researchers Foundation.