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Ziqiang Guan

Research Professor in Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Duke Box 3711, Durham, NC 27710
240 Nanaline H Duke, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


We develop and apply mass spectrometry techniques to address biochemical and biomedical questions that are lipid-related. Research projects include:

1) Structural lipidomics

o   Develop and apply high resolution tandem mass spectrometry-based lipidomics for the discovery, structural elucidation and functional study of novel lipids.

2) Elucidation of novel pathways/enzymes of lipid biosynthesis and metabolism

o   Genetic, biochemical and MS approaches are employed to identify the substrates and pathways involved in lipid biosynthesis and metabolism

3) Identification of lipid biomarkers of genetic diseases and cancers

o    Provide molecular insights into the disease mechanisms, as well as to serve as the diagnostic and prognostic tools of diseases.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Research Professor in Biochemistry · 2017 - Present Biochemistry, Basic Science Departments

In the News


Published October 8, 2013
New Urine Test Could Diagnose Eye Disease

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Recent Publications


Characterization of age-related dolichol increases in the retina of the C57BL/6 mouse.

Journal Article Sci Rep · December 29, 2025 Dolichol is a lipid uniquely important for retinal cells. Mutations affecting dolichol biosynthesis cause non-syndromic retinal degeneration. Aging is a major risk factor for leading causes of vision loss. We characterized age-related changes in dolichol l ... Full text Link to item Cite

Biosynthesis of glucosaminyl phosphatidylglycerol in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Journal Article J Bacteriol · December 18, 2025 UNLABELLED: Glucosaminyl phosphatidylglycerol (GlcN-PG) was first identified in bacteria in the 1960s and was recently reported in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Despite the important implications in altering membrane charge (by the modification of anionic phosph ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Calcineurin Control over Aspergillus fumigatus Antifungal Response Mechanisms

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Arkansas Children's Research Institute · 2024 - 2029

Life Without LPS - Characterization of bacterial ceramide-phosphoglycerate

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · 2025 - 2028

Catalysis and inhibition of chitin synthesis from pathogenic fungi

ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2022 - 2027

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of Texas, Austin · 1994 Ph.D.