• Cell-Based Therapies for Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Environmental Stressors and Musculoskeletal Health
• Clinical Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Ning Zhang’s specialized research explores the intersection of immunology, bioengineering, and orthopaedics to advance the regeneration and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders. His work addresses significant clinical challenges, including fragility fractures, large bone defects, and age-related tissue deterioration such as sarcopenia.

A core focus of his research is dissecting the complex cellular dynamics and muscle-bone crosstalk that govern inflammation and healing. His team investigates how stem cells and immune cells interact during the recovery process, using this mechanistic understanding to optimize cell-based therapies and harness targeted immunomodulation for enhanced tissue repair. Furthermore, Ning evaluates how external environmental stressors and biophysical interventions influence overall musculoskeletal health. By integrating these multidisciplinary insights, he is deeply committed to translating fundamental biological discoveries into novel therapeutics and evidence-based clinical rehabilitation strategies for aging populations and trauma patients.

Ning Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). He earned his Ph.D. from CUHK and completed postdoctoral training in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Stanford University. Prior to his doctoral studies, Ning received his MSc from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and his BSc from Shandong University School of Life Sciences.

Ning has authored over 80 peer-reviewed publications. His work is frequently featured at international conferences, earning recognition through invited talks, podium spotlight sessions, and awards.

Beyond the bench, Ning is an active member of premier professional organizations, including The Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS), The International Society for Fracture Repair (ISFR), and The International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society (ICMRS). He routinely serves on the organizing committees and acts as a judge for international conferences and symposiums.

Ning also contributes to scientific publishing as a member of young editorial boards and as a guest editor for leading international journals.

1. Orthopaedic Basic Science Award, Hong Kong Orthopaedic Association (2025)
2. Silver Medal, Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (2024)

1. Zhang N, Yuan J, Li X, Su N, Wang Y, Chen S, Huang E, Gao Q, Yang F, Chow SK, Goodman SB. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals early cell dynamics of MSC-based therapy in long bone critical-size defects in mice. J Orthop Translat. 2025;55:121-131. doi:10.1016/j.jot.2025.08.007.
2. Xu X, Wang Q, Li B, Liu C, Cui C, Yi M, Zhai L, Wong RMY, Zhang N, Cheung WH. Effects of artificial sweeteners on the musculoskeletal system: A systematic review of current evidence. Nutrients. 2025;17(21):3489. doi:10.3390/nu17213489.
3. Zhang N, Zhai L, Wong RMY, Cui C, Law SW, Chow SKH, Goodman SB, Cheung WH. Harnessing immunomodulation to combat sarcopenia: Current insights and possible approaches. Immun Ageing. 2024;21(1):55. doi:10.1186/s12979-024-00458-9.
4. Wang Y, Nan X, Sun H, Shi Y, Miao J, Li Y, Han X, Zhang N, Wang H, Ren N, Zhao X, Liu B. From insects to mammals! Tissue accumulation and transgenerational transfer of micro/nano-plastics through the food chain. J Hazard Mater. 2024;480:136424. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136424.
5. Li X, Shen H, Zhang M, Teissier V, Huang EE, Gao Q, Tsubosaka M, Toya M, Kushioka J, Maduka CV, Contag CH, Chow SKH, Zhang N, Goodman SB. Glycolytic reprogramming in macrophages and MSCs during inflammation. Front Immunol. 2023;14:1199751. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1199751.