Zhanjun Hou

Faculty Profile

Professor - Research
aj0093@wayne.edu

Position Title

Professor - Research
Basic Science

Office Location

Karmanos Cancer Institute
Elliman Building, RM - 3120
421 E Canfield
Detroit, MI 48201

Mailing Address

Karmanos Cancer Institute
4100 John R.
Mail Code: EL03DT
Detroit, MI 48201

Office Phone

(313) 578-4372

Office Fax

(313) 578-4287

Education Training

Education
(1998)  PhD Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, China 
(1995)  MS Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, China
(1992)  BS, Agricultural and Husbandry, University of Inner Mongolia, China

Postgraduate Training
(2001-2004)  Post-doctoral Research Fellow/Research Associate, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI

Professional Experience

Faculty Appointments
(2024-Present) Professor - Research, Department of Oncology Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
(2018-2024)  Associate Professor - Research, Department of Oncology Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
(2013-2018)  Assistant Professor, - Research, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI

Other Hospital or Professional Appointments
(2007-2012)  Research Scientist, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI
(2004-2007)  Research Associate, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI
(1998-2000)  Research Associate, Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University

Major Professional Societies

American Association for Cancer Research
American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Honors and Awards

(2015)  Wayne State University School of Medicine Research Incentive Award
(2014)  Wayne State University School of Medicine Research Incentive Award
(2013)  Wayne State University School of Medicine Research Incentive Award
(2010)  The Karmanos Cancer Center Director;s Research highlights
(2009)  The Karmanos Cancer Center Director's Research Award

Publications

1. Wilson, M.R., Hou, Z., Yang, S., Polin, L., Kushner, J., White, K., Huang, J., Ratnam, M., Gangjee, A., and Matherly, L.H., 2016. Targeting non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer via the proton-coupled folate transporter with 6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine thienoyl antifolates. Mol. Pharmacol. 89(4): 425-434
 
2. Wilson, M.R., Kugel, S., Huang, J., Wilson, L.J., Wloszczynski, P.A., Ye, J., Matherly, L.H., and Hou, Z., 2015. Structural determinants of human proton-coupled folate transporter oligomerization: role of GXXXG motifs and identification of oligomeric interfaces at transmembrane domains 3 and 6, Biochem. J. 469(1): 33-44

3. Wilson, M.R., Hou, Z., Matherly, L.H., 2014. Substituted cysteine accessibility reveals a novel transmembrane 2-3 reentrant loop and functional role for transmembrane domain 2 in the human proton-coupled folate transporter. J. Biol. Chem. 289(36): 25287-95
4. Hou, Z., Orr, S., Matherly, L.H., 2014. Posttranscriptional regulation of the human reduced folate carrier as a novel adaptive mechanism in response to folate excess or deficiency. BioScience Report. 34(4): 457-468
 
5. Hou, Z., Desmoulin, S. K., Olive M., Hsiung, B., Cherian, C., Moin, K. and Matherly, L.H., 2012, Identification and functional impact of homo-oligomers of the human proton-coupled folate transporter. J. Biol. Chem., J. Biol. Chem. 287(7): 4982-4995
6. Desmoulin, S. K., Hou, Z., Matherly, L. H., and Gangjee, A., 2012. The Human Proton-coupled Folate Transporter: Biology and Therapeutic Applications to Cancer. Cancer Biology & Therapy. 13(14)
 
7. Hou, Z., Wu, J., Ye, J., Cherian, C. and Matherly, L.H., 2010, Substrate-specific binding and conformational changes involving Ser313 and transmembrane domain 8 of the human reduced folate carrier, as determined by site-directed mutagenesis and protein cross-linking, Biochem. J. 430: 265-274
 
8. Hou, Z., Cherian, C., Drews, J., Wu, J. and Matherly, L.H., 2010, Identification of the Minimal Functional Unit of the Homo-oligomeric Human Reduced Folate Carrier. J. Biol. Chem. 285(7): 4732-4740
 
9. Hou, Z., and Matherly, L.H., 2009, Oligomeric Structure of the Human Reduced Folate Carrier: Identification of Homo-oligomers and Dominat-negative Effects on Carrier Expression and Function. J. Biol. Chem. 284(5): 3285-3293
 
10. Matherly, L.H. and Hou, Z.: Structure and function of the reduced folate carrier: a paradigm of a major facilitator superfamily mammalian nutrient transporter. Vitamins and Hormones 79: 145-184, 2008.

Zhanjun Hou, PhD - PubMed

Faculty Status

Basic Science

Research Description

My research focuses on discovery and development of novel folate-based therapeutics targeting one-carbon metabolism of ovarian, pancreatic and mesothelioma cancers. Along the line, I am interested in structure/function studies on folate transporters, including reduced folate carrier and proton coupled folate transporter.

Affiliated Departments

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