Pioneering studies on the regenerative functions of the uterus.
Elisa Zhang launched a new lab at UC Davis in FY 2025, marking a significant milestone in reproductive biology and gynecological health research at UC Davis. The Zhang Lab, housed within the Departments of Physiology and Membrane Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, opened in July 2024.
The lab’s central mission is to unravel the mysteries of the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus)—particularly how it regenerates and interacts with the embryo during pregnancy. Zhang and her team are investigating:
- Uterine endometrial regeneration during the menstrual cycle
- Uterine wound healing following injury and its impact on subsequent pregnancies
- Development of novel 3D human organoid models of the uterine endometrium and placenta
Using a combination of mouse in vivo models and human in vitro organoid systems, the lab is pioneering studies on uterine wound healing and embryo implantation. Notably, Zhang’s team has developed the first organoid models that replicate the full complexity of the human endometrium, including epithelial, stromal, and immune cell populations. These models are expected to revolutionize our understanding of early pregnancy, especially the critical window when most pregnancies fail.
The lab’s interdisciplinary approach also explores broader implications for stem cell biology, wound healing, and developmental biology. By comparing uterine and placental structures across mammalian species, the team aims to uncover evolutionary insights that could inform treatments for infertility, pregnancy disorders, and uterine injuries caused by procedures like C-sections.