Tim Zhang is a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics and the Masonic Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism. His research focuses on using microRNA-based therapeutics and stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles to target cellular senescence and age-related tissue dysfunction. He has identified both senolytic and senomorphic microRNAs and is interested in translating these findings into treatments for chronic diseases of aging. Outside the lab, he enjoys spending time with his daughter and son, fishing, board games, movies, and music.
Representative Publications:
Zhang T, Nunes A, Lee J, Larocca D, Camussi G, Lim SK, Bascones VU, Angelini L, O’Kelly RD, Dong X, Niedernhofer LJ, Robbins PD. Identification of Senomorphic miRNAs in Embryonic Progenitor and Adult Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. Aging Cell. 2025;24(7):e70071.
Zhang T, Nunes A, O’Kelly RD, Angelini L, Masternak MM, Suh Y, Dong X, Niedernhofer LJ, Robbins PD. Identification of miR-106b-5p as a senolytic miRNA. EBioMedicine. 2025;117:105810.
Dorronsoro, A., Corbo, L., McGowan, S. J., Lavasani, M., Liu, A. Brooks, R., Garcia-Contreras, M., Baker, D. J., Stolz, D., Amelio, A., Boregowda, S. V. Santiago, F., Fallahi, M., Ricordi, Phinney, D. C., Huard, J., Niedernhofer, L. J. and Robbins P. D. Extension of lifespan in a progeriod mouse model of accelerated aging by mesenchymal stem cells is mediated by extracellular vesicles. Submitted
