Xuemei Zong, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Postdoctoral Training - Louisiana State University and Augusta University
Ph.D - Neuroscience, Nanjing Medical University, China
M.S - Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, China
M.D. - Clinical Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, China
News
Dr. Zong was recently awarded a Department of Defense (DoD) grant (09/2024–08/2028) for the project entitled “Photobiomodulation Therapy as a Potential Treatment Strategy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.”
Dr. Zong was recently awarded an American Heart Association (AHA) Career Development Award (08/2024–07/2027) for the project entitled “Combining Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) with PDMCs for Stroke Regeneration and Repair.”
Publication – October, 2025 Enhancing Myelination Ameliorates Cognitive Deficits Induced by Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion: The Effect of Clemastine in an Experimental Rat Model. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism. 2025, DOI：10.1177/0271678X251382874.
Publication – June, 2025 Myelin dysfunction in aging and brain disorders: mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Molecular Neurodegeneration. 2025 Jun 15;20:69. PMID：40518508.
Publication – April, 2025 Clemastine enhances myelin formation in the striatum and medial prefrontal cortex and improves sociability in a neonatal rat hypoxic-ischemic model. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2025 Apr;185:117916. PMID：40058153.
Zong lab presented two posters on International Stroke Conference 2025 - Los Angeles, USA, Feb, 2025.
Invited presentation: rTMS Promotes Stroke Recovery by Neuronal and Vascular Protection and Repair in a PT Stroke Model. Feb, 2025. Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience. LSUHS.
Zong lab presented two posters on the Society for Neuroscience (SFN) conference - Chicago, USA, Nov, 2024.
Publication – June, 2024 Photobiomodulation inhibits ischemia-induced brain endothelial senescence via endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Antioxidants (Basel). 2024 Jun;13(6):633. PMID：38929072.
Publication – May, 2024 Intermittent theta-burst stimulation alleviates hypoxia-ischemia-caused myelin damage and neurologic disability. Experimental Neurology. 2024 May 21;378:114821. PMID：38782349.
Zong lab presented two posters on the International Stroke Conference - Phoenix, USA, Feb, 2024.
Invited presentation:repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS ) treatment for ischemic stroke and other neurological diseases. Nov, 2024. Department of Neurology, Augusta University, GA.
Research
Approach
My lab develops non-invasive therapeutic strategies for neurovascular and neurodegenerative disorders, including TBI, VCID, AD, ischemic stroke, and PTSD. We use clinically relevant rodent models (single/repetitive closed- and open-head TBI, MCAO, BCAS/BCCAO, photothrombotic stroke, PTSD, and AD models) combined with interventions such as PBM, rTMS, and stem cell transplantation. We integrate neurobehavioral phenotyping with multi-omics (snRNA-seq, proteomics) and advanced in vivo imaging (two-photon, laser speckle) to study neurovascular coupling, myelination, synaptic plasticity, and network resilience. We also investigate mitochondrial biology, endothelial senescence, and glial activation to uncover mechanisms of neurogenesis, angiogenesis, neuroinflammation, and BBB integrity.
Expertise
I am a physician–scientist with 20+ years of clinical and research experience in cerebrovascular emergencies and brain repair. My work has shown how rTMS and PBM enhance angiogenesis, remyelination, and neurogenesis in models of AD, TBI, stroke, and PTSD. I have contributed significantly to regenerative medicine by leveraging stem cells to boost neurogenesis-related plasticity and functional recovery after cerebral ischemia. Our research targets mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neurovascular regeneration, and remyelination to identify and validate novel therapeutic interventions for brain injury and neurodegeneration.
RESEARCH
- 1. Non-invasive Theta-Burst Stimulation Promotes Neurogenesis and Functional Repair after Stroke
- 2. Enhanced myelination represents a promising strategy to prevent cognitive impairment associated with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH).
- 3. Non-invasive Photobiomodulation Therapy for PTSD Prevention
- 4. rTMS–Stem Cell Therapy for Post-stroke Regeneration
1. Non-invasive Theta-Burst Stimulation Promotes Neurogenesis and Functional Repair after Stroke
Our findings suggest that continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) enhances post-stroke recovery by promoting neurogenesis and functional restoration. We emphasized the robust effects of cTBS on expanding the pool of neural progenitor cells and immature neurons in the peri-infarct cortex of a photothrombotic (PT) stroke rat model. As depicted below, cTBS treatment effectively preserved newly generated neurons, facilitated their maturation, and protected against PT-induced neuronal loss. Additionally, cTBS suppressed maladaptive reactive gliogenesis, enhanced oligodendrogenesis, and maintained myelination in the peri-infarct region. Mechanistically, cTBS upregulated key neurotrophic factors, including BDNF and FGF2, thereby supporting neurogenesis and neuronal survival. Functionally, cTBS-treated animals exhibited improved motor outcomes, and pharmacological inhibition of neurogenesis abolished these benefits, underscoring the central role of neurogenesis in cTBS-mediated recovery.
Publications related to this work: Theranostics. 2022, 12(13):5710-5726.
cTBS increased the neural stem/progenitor cell pool and the number of newly generated immature neurons, and enhanced BDNF expression in the peri-infarct cortical area after PT stroke.
2. Enhanced myelination represents a promising strategy to prevent cognitive impairment associated with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH).
We demonstrated in a rat model of bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) that clemastine treatment, a well-established pro-myelinating intervention, preserved dendritic spine density, prevented synaptic loss, and maintained neurovascular function. Importantly, clemastine attenuated cognitive deficits despite the absence of overt neuronal loss or oligodendrocyte apoptosis, instead mitigating myelin loss, nodal disruption, and synaptic dysfunction induced by CCH. Collectively, these results highlight pharmacological enhancement of myelination as a potential therapeutic avenue for CCH-related cognitive decline.
Publications related to this work: Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism. 2025, DOI:10.1177/0271678X251382874
Clemastine treatment preserves the nodes of Ranvier in the rat BCCAO model.
Clemastine improves neurovascular coupling after BCCAO.
3. Non-invasive Photobiomodulation Therapy for PTSD Prevention
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic psychiatric condition that arises from maladaptive fear memory processing following traumatic experiences.This project investigates transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM)—a non-invasive infrared light therapy—as an early intervention to preserve adaptive fear memory and prevent PTSD development. We will detect how PBM applied during memory consolidation and recall influences mitochondrial ATP production, neurotrophic signaling (BDNF, AMPK/SIRT3), and synaptic plasticity in key brain regions such as the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala. We will also examine whether PBM stabilizes contextual memory, facilitates extinction, and prevents the emergence of PTSD-like symptoms and comorbidities.Supported by the Department of Defense (DoD), this project aims to establish PBM as a non-invasive neuromodulatory approach for PTSD prevention.
Schematic illustration of transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM) for PTSD prevention in a rat fear-conditioning model.
4. rTMS–Stem Cell Therapy for Post-stroke Regeneration
Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability with limited regenerative treatments. This project explores a novel neuromodulatory approach—combining rTMS with PDMC transplantation—to enhance post-stroke brain repair. We will detect how rTMS preconditioning improves mitochondrial function, antioxidative capacity, and resilience of PDMCs, and how dual rTMS treatment (to donor cells and host brain) promotes their survival, differentiation, and integration.
Supported by the AHA CDA grant, this project aims to develop a non-invasive rTMS–stem cell platform to promote neural repair and functional recovery after stroke.
Publications
Selected Publications
- Zong X (Corresponding author),Huang Z, Kong FF, Feng Y, Zhang Y, Zou P, Lin HW, Hess D, Zhang Q (Co-Corresponding author). Enhancing Myelination Ameliorates Cognitive Deficits Induced by Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion: The Effect of Clemastine in an Experimental Rat Model. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism. 2025, in press.
- Huang Z, Zhang Y, Zou P, Ma X, Zong X (Co-corresponding author), Zhang Q. Myelin dysfunction in aging and brain disorders: mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Molecular Neurodegeneration. 2025, 15 June, 20:69. PMID: 40518508, DOI: 10.1186/s13024-025-00861-w
- Feng Y, Ma X, Zong X, J.D Jordan, Wu C, Tesic V, Lee R, Zhang Q. Clemastine Enhances Myelin Formation in the Striatum and Medial Prefrontal Cortex and Improves Sociability in a Neonatal Rat Hypoxic-ischemic Model. Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy. 2025, April, 185:117916. PMID:40058153, DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2025.117916
- Feng Y, Huang Z, Ma X, Zong X, Xu P, Lin HW, Zhang Q.Intermittent Theta-burst Stimulation Alleviates Hypoxia-ischemia-caused Myelin Damage and Neurologic Disbility. Exp Neurol. 2024 May,21;378:114821. PMID: 38782349, DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114821
- Feng Y, Huang Z, Ma X, Zong X, Tesic V, Ding B, Wu C, Lee R, Zhang Q. Photobiomodulation Inhibits Ischemia-Induced Brain Endothelial Senescence via Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase. Antioxidants. 2024, 13(6), 633. PMID: 38929072, DOI: 10.3390/antiox 13060633
- Huang Z, Feng Y, Zhang Y, Ma X, Zong X, Jordan D, Zhang Q. Enhancing Axonal Myelination: Clemastine Attenuates Cognitive Impairment in a rat Model of Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury. Translational Research. 2024 Jun: 268:40-50. PMID: 38246342, DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl. 2024.01.008
- Feng Y, Huang Z, Ma X, Zong X, Wu Y, Lee H, Lin H, Hamblin M, Zhang Q. Activation of Testosterone-Androgen Receptor Mediates Cerebrovascular Protection by Photobiomodulation Treatment in Photothrombosis-induced Stroke Rats. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics. 2024, Jan, 30(2),e14574. PMID: 38421088, DOI: 10.1111/ cns.14574
- Huang Z, Zhang Y, Ma X, Feng Y, Zong X, Jordan J. D, Zhang Q. Photobiomodulation attenuates oligodendrocyte dysfunction and prevents adverse neurological consequences in a rat model of early life adversity. Theranostics 2023 Jan；13（3）：913-930; PMID: 36793860; DOI: 10.7150/ thno.78777
- Feng Y, Yang L, Ma X, Huang Z, Zong X, Citadin CT, Lin HW , Zhang Q. Photobiomodulation treatment inhibits neurotoxic astrocytic polarization and protects neurons in vitro and in vivo stroke models. Neurochemistry International. 2022 December;162(2023)105464. PMID: 36539162. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105464
- Liu C, Yang Z, Zhou S, Ding D, Hu Y, Yang H, Han D, Hu S, Zong X (Corresponding author). Overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor enhances the neuroprotective effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in ischemic stroke. Neural Regen Res. 2023 Jun;18(6):1286-1292. PMID: 36453413, DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.358609
- Huang Z, Lin HW, Zhang Q, Zong X (Corresponding author). Targeting Alzheimer’s Disease: The Critical Crosstalk Between The Liver and Brain. Nutrients. 2022 Oct 14; 14(20):4298, PMID: 36296980, DOI: 10.3390/nu14204298
- Zong X, Gu J, Zhou S, Ding D, Geng D, Gao D. Continuous theta-burst stimulation enhances and sustains neurogenesis following ischemic stroke. Theranostics. 2022, 12(13):5710-5726, PMID: 35966576, DOI: 10.7150/thno.71832
- Zong X, Gu J, Geng D, Gao D. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for multiple neurological conditions in rodent animal models: a systematic review. Neurochemistry International. 2022 Jul;157:105356. PMID: 35513205. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105356
- Li Y, Dong Y, Yang L, Tucker L, Yang B, Zong X, Hamblin MR, Zhang Q. Transcranial photobiomodulation prevents PTSD-like comorbidities in rats experiencing underwater trauma. Translational Psychiatry. 2021 May 5; 11(1):270. PMID: 33953158, DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01389-5
- Li Y, Dong Y, Yang L, Tucker L, Zong X, Brann D, Hamblin MR, Vazdarjanova A, Zhang Q. Photobiomodulation prevents PTSD-like memory impairments in rats. Molecular Psychiatry. 2021 Nov.26(11):6666-6679. PMID: 33859360, DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01088-z
- Wu S, Guo T, Li Y, Qi W, Gu J, Liu C, Sha Y, Zong X(Corresponding author). Curcumin ameliorates ischemic stroke injury in rats by protecting the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine. 2021 Jul;22(1):783. PMID: 34055082, DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10215
- Yang L, Dong Y, Wu C, Youngblood H, Li Y, Zong X, Li L, Xu T, Zhang Q. Effects of prenatal photobiomodulation treatment on neonatal hypoxic ischemia in rat offspring. Theranostics. 2021 Jan 1;11(3):1269-1294. PMID: 33391534, DOI: 10.7150/thno.49672
- Zong X, Li Y, Liu C, Qi W, Han D, Tucker L, Dong Y, Hu S, Yan X, Zhang Q. Theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation promotes stroke recovery by vascular protection and neovascularization. Theranostics. 2020 Oct 26, 10(26):12090-12110. PMID: 33204331, DOI: 10.7150/ thno.51573
- Zong X, Dong Y, Li Y, Yang L, Li Y, Yang B, Tucker L, Zhao N, Brann DW, Yan X, Hu S, Zhang Q. Beneficial effects of theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation on stroke injury via improving neuronal microenvironment and mitochondrial integrity. Translational Stroke Research. 2020 Jun;11(3):450-467. PMID: 31515743, DOI: 10.1007/ s12975-019-00731-w
- Wu C, Yang L, Li Y, Dong Y, Yang L, Tucker LD, Zong X, Zhang Q. Effects of exercise training on anxious-depressive-like behavior in Alzheimer rat. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2020 Jul; 52(7):1456-1469. PMID: 32028456, DOI: 10.1249/MSS. 0000000000002294
- Yang B, Xu J, Li Y, Dong Y, Li Y, Tucker L, Yang L, Zong X, Wu C, Xu T, Hu S, Zhang Q,Yan X. Photobiomodulation therapy for repeated closed head injury in rats. Journal of Biophotonics. 2020 Feb;13(2):e201960117, PMID: 31657525, DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201960117
- Yang L, Dong Y, Wu C, Li Y, Guo Y, Yang B, Zong X, Hamblin MR, Liu T, Zhang Q. Photobiomodulation preconditioning prevents cognitive impairment in a neonatal rat model of hypoxia-ischemia. Journal of Biophotonics. 2019 May; 12(6):e201800359. PMID: 30652418, DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201800359
- Zhao N, Liang P, Zhuo X, Su C, Zong X, Guo B, Han D, Yan X, Hu S, Zhang Q, Xu T. After treatment with methylene blue is effective against delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2018 May; 122(5): 470-480. PMID: 29151273, DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12940
- Zong X, Wu S, Li F, Lv L, Han D, Zhao N, Yan X, Hu S, Xu T. Transplantation of VEGF-mediated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promotes functional improvement in a rat acute ceberal infarction model. Brain Research. 2017,1676:9-18. PMID: 28823954. DOI: 10.1016/ j.brainres.2017.08.006
Funding
Title: Photobiomodulation Therapy Could be a Potential Treatment Strategy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Grant Number: HT9425-24-1-0663
Agency: Department of Defense (DOD)
Role: Principal Investigator
Period: 09/2024 - 08/2028
Title: Combining Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) with PDMCs for Stroke Regeneration and Repair
Grant Number: 24CDA1269588
Agency: American Heart Association (AHA)
Role: Principal Investigator
Period: 08/2024 - 07/2027
Title: Pulsed laser therapy in an asymptomatic head injury-accelerated Alzheimer's model
Grant Number: 1R01NS135548-01A
Agency: National Institutes of Health R01
Role: Co-Investigator
Period: 02/2025 - 01/2030
Title: Role of Brain Aromatase in Alzheimer's Dementia: Sex Differences and the Preventive Therapy using Pulsed Photobiomodulation.
Grant Number: R01 AG083947-01
Agency: National Institutes of Health R01
Role: Co-Investigator
Period: 04/2024 - 03/2029
Team
Positions
Postdoctoral Fellows
The Zong Laboratory is currently accepting post-doctoral researchers with a strong background and experience in rodents, neuroscience, surgical approaches, cellular and molecular biology, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, and bioinformatics. Interested candidates should review the current research directions and contact Dr. Zong at xuemei.zong@lsuhs.edu for more details.
Graduate Students
We are currently recruiting Graduate Students for multiple funded projects. To enquire about opportunities, contact Dr. Zong at xuemei.zong@lsuhs.edu for more details.
Research Associates
The Zong Laboratory has a number of research projects available for research associates who are interested in gaining research experience and learning new techniques. To enquire about opportunities, contact Dr. Zong at xuemei.zong@lsuhs.edu for more details.
Contact
Zong Lab
Neurovascular Unit
Hippocampal Neurons
Excellent Postdoctoral Training and Mentorship
