Hongyan Zou, MD, PhD
img_Hongyan Zou
PROFESSOR | Neurosurgery
PROFESSOR | Neuroscience
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Specialties
Neurosurgery
Research Topics
Axon Guidance, Axonal Growth and Degeneration, Brain, Cancer Genetics, Developmental Neurobiology, Epigenetics, Neurobiology, Regeneration, Spinal Cord, Stem Cells, Transcription Factors, Tumorigenesis
Multi-Disciplinary Training Area
Cancer Biology [CAB], Development Regeneration and Stem Cells [DRS], Neuroscience [NEU]
Specific Research Interests
- Molecular mechanisms of axon growth
- Transcription factors regulating axonal regeneration
- Neural stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and implication in CNS tumorigenesis

Our lab is interested in understanding how neurons are born, how they extend axons, and how they regenerate or fail to regenerate after injury. Brain and spinal cord injuries account for billions of dollars each year in medical costs. Understanding classic and identifying novel signaling pathways that promote neurogenesis and axonogenesis will provide new molecular targets towards effective CNS regeneration. Similar mechanisms that regulate the neural stem cell niche also regulate brain tumor stem cells. Understanding tumor microenvironment will have great impact on developing novel strategies to curb brain cancer invasion and relapse.

Zou lab website

MD, Stanford University School of Medicine

PhD, Cornell University and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Institute

Internship, Surgery (General Surgery), Stanford University School of Medicine

Residency, Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine

Certifications

American Board of Neurological Surgery

Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.

Dr. Zou did not report having any of the following types of financial relationships with industry and other outside entities during 2023 and/or 2024: consulting, scientific advisory board, industry-sponsored lectures, service on Board of Directors, participation on industry-sponsored committees, equity ownership valued at greater than 5% of a publicly traded company or any value in a privately held company. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.

Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.