Academic Staff
- TU512
- +852 3400 8638
- xiaohui.zhou@polyu.edu.hk
ORCID ID
SCOPUS ID
Google ScholarBiography
Our research lies at the interface of food science, microbiology, and human health. We aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying host-pathogen interactions and to develop innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. A major focus of our work is tackling antimicrobial resistance by uncovering microbial resistance mechanisms and developing food-derived bioactive materials as novel anti-infective agents. Through interdisciplinary approaches, we strive to provide sustainable solutions for controlling foodborne pathogens and improving public health.
Research Overview
Our research lies at the interface of food science, microbiology, and human health. We aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying host-pathogen interactions and to develop innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. A major focus of our work is tackling antimicrobial resistance by uncovering microbial resistance mechanisms and developing food-derived bioactive materials as novel anti-infective agents. Through interdisciplinary approaches, we strive to provide sustainable solutions for controlling foodborne pathogens and improving public health.
Education and Academic Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, Washingtin State University
Professional Qualifications
- Editor-In-Chief
Academic and Professional Experience
Research Interests
Achievements
- Third Class Research Progress Awards by Jiangsu Provincial Science and Technology Department, China, 2016
- Excellence Award in Teaching, University of Connecticut, 2019
- Methods for preparing products for treating scald infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. US Patent 12,268,711 2025
- Application of a hydrogel in the preparation of products for the treatment of bacterial infections. US Patent 11,957,712
- Iron sulfate-containing hydrogel for use in preparing products for treating bacterial infections. China Patent CN202210438990.1, 2023.
- Ferrous ions for use in preparing drugs for inhibiting or treating infections or diseases caused by Candida albicans. China Patent CN202311220535.5, 2024.
- Ferrous ions for use in preparing drugs and care products for treating scald wound infections. China Patent CN202310986080.1, 2024.
- Vibro-based delivery system and immune suppression, US patent, WO2014164607, 2014
- Zhang Y, Xiao G, Ding H, Gu D, Guo R, Qiyao Wang, Zhou X*. 2025. Direct sensing of host ferric iron by an archetype histidine kinase mediates virulence of an enteric pathogen. PNAS, 122, 23, pp. e2507874122.
- Wang Z, An Z, Richel A, Huang M, Gou X, Xu D, Zhang M, Mo H, Hu L, Zhou X*. 2024. Ferrous sulfate remodels the properties of sodium alginate-based hydrogel and facilitates the healing of wound infection caused by MRSA. Carbohydrate Polymers. 15;346:122554.
- Wang Z, Li H, Zhou W, Lee J, Liu Z, An Z, Xu D, Mo H, Hu L, and Zhou X*. 2022. Ferrous sulfate-loaded hydrogel cures Staphylococcus aureus infection via facilitating a ferroptosis-like bacterial cell death in a mouse keratitis model. Biomaterials. 290:121842
- Hu M, Zhang Y, Gu D, Chen X, Waldor MK and Zhou X*. 2021. Nucleolar c-Myc recruitment by a Vibrio T3SS effector promotes host cell proliferation and bacterial virulence. The EMBO J. 2021, e105699
- Gu D, Zhang Y, Wang and Zhou X*. 2020. S-nitrosylation mediated activation of a histidine kinase represses T3SS1 gene expression and promotes virulence of an enteric pathogen. Nat. Commun. 2020, 11:5777
- Zheng C, Zhai Y, Qiu J, Wang M, Xu Z, Chen X, Zhou X*, Jiao X. 2024. ZntA maintains zinc and cadmium homeostasis and promotes oxidative stress resistance and virulence in Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Gut Microbes. 2024;16(1):2327377
- Lin IT, Tumun E, Geary SJ, Zhou X*. 2021. A gatekeeper protein contributes toT3SS2 function via interaction with an ATPase in Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Microbiol Res. 2021, 24: 126857
- Hu M, Zhang H, Gu D, Ma Y and Zhou X*. 2020. Identification of the first tail tubular proteins receptor that mediates phage adsorption to a marine pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Emerging Microbes & Infections. 9:855-867
- Li L, Wang, Zhang H, Kahn K and Zhou X*. 2016. A sensor histidine kinase is a beta-lactam receptor and induces resistance to beta-lactam. PNAS. 2016,113 (6):1648-1653. (Highlighted by Nature Review Microbiology: β-lactam sensor discovered Nature Reviews Microbiology)
- Zhou X, Gewurz BE, Ritchie JM, Takasaki K, Davis BM, and Waldor MK. 2013. A Vibrio parahaemolyticus type III effector mediates pathogenesis by independently enabling intestinal colonization and inhibiting TAK1 activation. Cell Reports. 30:1690-702
