CAHNRS > CAHNRS People Directory > Meijun Zhu

Meijun Zhu

  1. Professor
Email Addressmeijun.zhu@wsu.edu
Location0224 Academic Faculty Office
Phone509-335-4016

Biography

Education

  • Ph.D., Food Microbiology, Statistics, Iowa State University, 2004
  • Sc.D., Molecular Biology, China Agricultural University, 1999
  • M.S., Biochemistry, China Agricultural University, 1994
  • B.S., China Agricultural University, 1991

Research Interests

Our research interests center on microbiological food safety and effects of dietary bioactive compounds on gut microbiota and chronic diseases. For the nutrigenomic study, we are studying impacts of diets on intestinal epithelial differentiation, gut microbiome, and metabolic diseases. We use both in vivo mice models and in vitro cell culture to examine the intricate interaction among nutrients, microorganisms, and gut epithelial health. For food safety research, we are seeking novel strategies to inactivate, intervene and detect foodborne pathogens in foods and food production environments, and further explore their applications in the food industries; we are also exploring behaviors of foodborne pathogens and their interactions with the background microbiome. We use metagenomics, molecular and traditional microbiological techniques for our studies.

Selected publications

For complete publication list please visit Research Gate  2020

  • Sheng, L., X. Shen, Y. Su, C. KoranyJ. Knueben, and M. J. Zhu. 2020. The efficacy of sodium acid sulfate on controlling Listeria monocytogenes on apples in a water system with organic matter. Food Microbiology, 92: 103595
  • Shen, X., Y. Su, Z. Hua, J. Cong, N. Dhowlaghar, Q. Sun, S. Lin, T. Green, M. Perrault, M. Galeni, I. Hanrahan, T. V. Suslow and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Validation of antimicrobial efficacy of peroxyacetic acid against L. monocytogenes on fresh apples using Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 as a surrogate in multiple commercial spray-bar operations. Food Microbiology, 92: 103590.
  • Tian, Q., Z. Xu, H. Wang, X. Sun, J. Deavila, M. Du, and  M. J. Zhu. 2020. Grape pomace inhibits colon carcinogenesis by suppressing cell proliferation and inducing epigenetic modifications. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 84:108443.
  • Iniguez, A.B. and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Hop bioactive compounds in prevention of nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1767537
  • Sun, J., L. Zhao, Y. Chen, K. Chen, S. A. Chae, J. M. de Avila, H. Wang, M. J. Zhu, Z. Jiang and M. Du. 2020. Maternal exercise via exerkine apelin enhances brown adipogenesis and prevents metabolic dysfunction in offspring mice. Science Advances, 6: eaaz0359.
  • Tian, Q., J. Zhao, Q. Yang, B. Wang, J. Deavila, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2020. Dietary alpha-ketoglutarate promotes beige adipogenesis and prevents obesity in middle-aged mice. Aging Cell, 19: e13059.
  • Sheng, L., X. Shen, O. Ulloa, T. V. Suslow, Hanrahan, and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Evaluation of JC9450 and neutral electrolyzed water in controlling Listeria monocytogenes on fresh apples and preventing cross-contamination. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10: 3128.
  • Shen, X., L. Sheng, Su, C. Benedict, E. Schacht, C. E. Kruger, Y. Zhang, and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Evaluation of preharvest microbiological safety of blueberry production with or with manure-derived fertilizer. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10: 3130.
  • Sheng, L., X. Shen, and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Screening of non-pathogenic surrogate for Listeria monocytogenes applicable for chemical sanitizer interventions of fresh apples. Food Control, 110, 106977.
  • Ballom K., Tsai, H., J. Tang, and M. J. Zhu. 2020. Stability of Listeria monocytogenes in non-fat dry milk powder during isothermal treatment and storage. Food Microbiology, 87, 103376.
  • Zhao, L., B. Wang, N. Gomez, J. Deavila, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2020. Even a low dose of tamoxifen profoundly induces adipose tissue browning in female mice. International Journal of Obesity, 44: 226-234.

2019

  • Hua, Z., A.M. Korany, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Comparative evaluation of different sanitizers against Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on major food-contact surfaces. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10: 196.
  • Sheng, L., X. Shen, C. Benedict, Y. Su, H. C. Tsai, E. Schacht, C. E. Kruger, M. Drennan, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Microbial safety of dairy manure fertilizer application in raspberry production. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10: 2276.
  • Son, J., X. Liu, Q. Tian, L. Zhao, Y. Chen, Y. Hu, S. A. Chae, J. M. Deavila, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. (2019). Exercise prevents the adverse effects of maternal obesity on placental vascularization and fetal growth. Journal of Physiology, 13: 3333-3347.
  • Shen, X., L. Sheng, H. Gao, I. Hanrahan, T. V. Suslow, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Enhanced efficacy of peroxyacetic acid against Listeria monocytogenes on fresh apples at elevated temperature. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10: 196.
  • Tsai, H., M. H. Taylor, X. Song, L. Sheng, J. Tang, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Thermal resistance of Listeria monocytogenes in natural unsweetened cocoa powder under different water activity. Food Control, 102: 22-28.
  • Xue, Y., M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Raspberry extract prevents Escherichia coli O157:H7-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Journal of Functional Food, 56: 224-231
  • Tsai, H., K. Ballom, X. Song, J. Tang, B. P. Marks, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Evaluation of Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 as a surrogate for Salmonella during cocoa powder thermal processing. Food Microbiology, 82: 135-141.
  • Bibi, S., D. A. Navarre, X. Sun, M. Du, B. Rasco, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Effect of potato consumption on gut microbiome and intestinal epithelial health. American Journal of Potato Research, 2019: 1-7.
  • F. de Sousa Moraes, X. Sun, M. C. G. Peluzio, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Anthocyanins /anthocyanidins and colorectal cancer: what is behind the scenes? Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 59: 59-71.
  • Xue, Y., M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. Quercetin prevents Escherichia coli O157:H7 adhesion to epithelial cells by suppressing focal adhesions. Frontiers in Microbiology, 9: 3278.
  • Zhang, S., Wang, H., and M. J. Zhu. 2019. A sensitive GC/MS detection method for analyzing microbial metabolites short chain fatty acids in fecal and serum samples. Talanta,196: 249-254.
  • Wang, H., S. Zhang, Q. Shen, and M. J. Zhu. 2019. A metabolome explanation on beneficial effects of dietary Goji on intestine inflammation. Journal of Functional Food, 53: 109-114.
  • Cheng, N., C. Zhu, Y., Wang, D. Du, M. J. Zhu, Y. Luo, W. Xu, Y. Lin 2019. Nanozyme enhanced colorimetric immunoassay for naked eyes detection of Salmonella Enteritidis PT30. Journal of Analysis and Testing, 3:99-106.

2018

  • Bibi, S., M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Dietary red raspberries reduce colorectal inflammation and carcinogenic risk in DSS-induced colitis in mice. Journal of Nutritional, 148, 667-674.
  • Bibi, S., Y. Kang, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Dietary red raspberries attenuate dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 51:40-46.
  • Kang, Y., Y. Guan, S. Zhang, C. Ross, M. J. Zhu. 2018. Goji berry modulates gut microbiota and alleviates colitis in IL-10-deficient mice. Molecular Nutrition Food Research, 62: 1800535.
  • Korany Abd-Rabou1 A. H. †, H. Zi, T. Green, S. H. Hussein El Shinawy, I. Hanrahan, and M.J. Zhu. 2018. Efficacy of ozonated water, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, quaternary ammonium compounds and peroxyacetic acid against Listeria monocytogenes biofilm on polystyrene surfaces. Frontiers in Microbiology, 9: 2296.
  • Liu, S., Tang, R. Tadapaneni, R. Yang, M. J. Zhu. 2018. Exponentially increased thermal resistance of Salmonella and Enterococcus faecium at reduced water activity. Applied Environmental Microbiology, 84: e02742-17.
  • Sheng, L., I. Hanrahan, X. Sun, M. K. Taylor, M. Mendoza, and M.J. Zhu. 2018. Survival of Listeria innocua on Fuji apples under commercial cold storage with or without low dose continuous ozone gaseous. Food Microbiology, 76: 21-28.
  • Sun, X., and M.J. Zhu. 2018. Butyrate inhibits indices of colorectal carcinogenesis via enhancing α-ketoglutarate-dependent DNA demethylation of mismatch repair genes. Molecular Nutrition Food Research, 62: 1700932.
  • Sun, X., Fu, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Ex vivo gut culture for tracing gut epithelial development. Open Biology, 8: 170256.
  • Taylor, M., H. Tsai, B. Rasco, J. Tang and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Stability of Listeria monocytogenes in wheat flour during extended storage and isothermal treatment. Food Control, 91: 434-439.
  • Xing, T., Y. Kang, X. Xu, B. Wang, Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Raspberry supplementation improves insulin signaling and promotes brown-like adipocyte development in white adipose tissue of obese mice. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 2018, 1701035.
  • Xue, Y., and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Suppressing autophagy: a strategy by Escherichia coli O157:H7 for its survival on host epithelial cells. Cell Death and Disease, 9:64.
  • Zeinhom, M.M. A., Y. Wang, Y. Song, M. J. Zhu, Y. Lin, and D. Dan. 2018. A portable smart-phone device for rapid and sensitive detection of E. coli O157:H7 in yoghurt and egg. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 99: 479-485.
  • Zeinhom, M.M. A., Y. Wang, L. Sheng, D. Dan, L. Li, M. J. Zhu, and Y. Lin. 2018. Smart phone based immunosensor coupled with nanoflower signal amplification for rapid detection of Salmonella Enteritidis in milk, cheese and water. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 2018, 261:75-82.
  • Zhao, T., H. Wu, Y. Zhang, D. Wang, Y. Chen, M. J. Zhu, L. Ma. 2018. Extracellular aminopeptidase modulates biofilm development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by affecting exopolysaccharide and bacterial death. Environmental Microbiology Reports, 10: 583-593.
  • Zou, T., B. Wang, Q. Yang, J. M. de Avila, M. J. Zhu, J. You, D. Chen, and M. Du. 2018. Raspberry promotes brown and beige adipocyte development in mice fed high-fat diet through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) a1. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 55:157-164.

2017

  • Cheng, N., Y. Song, M.M.A., Zeinhom, Y. Chang, L. Sheng, H. Li, D. Du, L. Li, M. J. Zhu, Y. Luo, W. Xu, Y. Lin. 2017. Nanozyme-mediated dual immunoassay integrated with smartphone for use in simultaneous detection of pathogens. Applied Materials & Interfaces, 9: 40671-40680
  • Lebow, N. K., L. D. DesRocher, F. L. Younce, M. J. Zhu. C.F. Ross, and D.M. Smith. 2017. Influence of High-pressure processing at low temperature and nisin on Listeria innocua survival and sensory preference of dry-cured cold-smoked salmon. Journal of Food Science, 82: 2977-2986.
  • Sheng, L., Edwards, H. C. Tsai, I. Hanrahan, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Fate of Listeria monocytogenes on fresh apples under different storage temperatures. Frontier in Microbiology, 8: 1396.
  • Tsai, H. C., L. Sheng, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Antimicrobial efficacy of Cinnamon oil against Salmonella in almond based matrices. Food Control, 80: 170-175.
  • Villa-Rojas, R., M. J. Zhu, N. Paul, P. Gray, J. Xu, D. Shah, J. Tang. 2017. Biofilm forming Salmonella strains exhibit enhanced thermal resistance in wheat flour. Food Control, 73: 689-695.
  • Villa-Rojas, R., M.J. Zhu, M.P. Bradley, J. Tang. 2017. Radiofrequency inactivation of Salmonella Enteritidis PT30 and Enterococcus faecium in flour at different water activities. Biosystems Engineering, 156: 7-16.
  • Xue, Y., Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Quercetin suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation in epithelial cells triggered by Escherichia coli O157:H7. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 108:760-769
  • Xue, Y., and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Suppressing autophagy: a strategy by Escherichia coli O157:H7 for its survival on host epithelial cells. Cell Death and Disease, 20189:64.
  • Xue, Y., Du, H. Sheng, C. J. Hovde, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Escherichia coli O157:H7 suppress host autophagy and promote bacterial adhesion via Tir-mediated and cAMP-independent activation of protein kinase A. Cell Death and Discovery, 3, 17055.
  • Bibi, S., Y. Kang, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2018. Dietary red raspberries attenuate dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 51:40-46.
  • Bibi, S., L.F. de Sousa Moraes1, N. Lebow, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Dietary green pea protects against DSS-induced colitis in mice challenged with high-fat diet. Nutrients, 9: 509
  • Bibi, S., Y. Kang, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Maternal high-fat diet consumption enhances offspring susceptibility to DSS-induced colitis in mice. Obesity, 25: 901-908
  • Kang, Y., Y. Xue, M. Du., M. J. Zhu. 2017. Preventative effects of Goji berry in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 40: 70-76.
  • Sun, X., and M. J. Zhu. 2017. AMP-activated protein kinase: a therapeutic target in intestinal diseases. Open Biology, 7: 170104.
  • Sun, X., Du, D. A. Navarre and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Purple potato extract promotes intestinal epithelial differentiation and barrier function by activating AMP-activated protein kinase. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 62:1700536.
  • Sun, X., Y. Yang, C. J. Rogers, M. Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. AMPK regulate intestinal differentiation via histone modification of CDX2. Cell Death and Differentiation, 24: 819-831.
  • Wang, B., X. Fu, X. Liang, J. M. Deavila, Z. Wang, L. Zhao, Q. Tian, J. Zhao, N. A. Gomez, S. C. Trombetta, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2017. Retinoic acid induces white adipose tissue browning by increasing adipose vascularity and inducing beige adipogenesis of PDGFRa+ adipose progenitors. Cell Discovery, 3:17036.
  • Wang, S., X. Liang, Q. Yang, X. Fu, M. J. Zhu, B.D. Rodgers, Q. Jiang, M. V. Dodson, and M. Du. 2017. Resveratrol enhances brown adipocyte formation and function by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) a1 in mice fed high-fat diet. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 61: 1600746.
  • Yang, G., S. Bibi, M. Du, Suzuki, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Regulation of the intestinal tight junction by natural polyphenols: a mechanistic perspective. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 595: 3830-3839.
  • Zou, T., Q. Yang, B. Wang, M. J. Zhu, P. W. Nathanielsz, and M. Du. 2017. Resveratrol supplementation to high fat diet-fed pregnant mice promotes brown and beige adipocyte development and prevents obesity in male offspring. Journal of Physiology, 595:1547-1562.
  • Xue, Y., S. Zhang, Du, and M. J. Zhu. 2017. Dandelion extract suppresses reactive oxidative species and inflammasome in intestinal epithelial cells. Journal of Functional Food, 29: 10-18.

2016

  • Yang, Q., X. Liang, X. Sun, X. Fu, L. Zhang, C. J. Rogers, S. Wang, B. Wang, J. W. Maricelli, B. Viollet, B. D. Rodger, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2016. AMPK/α-ketoglutarate axis dynamically mediates DNA demethylation in the Prdm16 promoter and brown adipogenesis. Cell Metabolism, 24: 542-554.
  • Xue, Y., H. Zhang, X. Sun, and M.J. Zhu. 2016. Metformin improves ileal epithelial barrier function in interleukin-10 deficient mice. PLoS ONE, 11: e0168670.
  • Liang, X. W., Q. Y. Yang, L. P. Zhang, J. Maricelli, B. D. Rodgers, M. J. Zhu, and M. Du. 2016. Maternal high-fat diet during lactation impairs thermogenic function of brown adipose tissue in offspring mice. Scientific Reports, 6: 34345.
  • Fu, X., M. J. Zhu, S. Zhang, M. Foretz, B. Viollet, and M. Du. 2016. Obesity impairs skeletal muscle regeneration via inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase. Diabetes, 65:188-200.
  • Zhang, H., Du, Q. Yang, and M. J. Zhu. 2016. Butyrate suppresses murine mast cell proliferation and cytokine production through inhibiting histone deacetylase. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 27: 299-306.
  • Bibi, S., Y. Kang, G. Yang, and M. J. Zhu. 2016. Grape seed extract improves small intestinal morphology through suppressing inflammation and regulating alkaline phosphatase in IL10-deficient mice. Journal of Functional Food, 20: 245-252.
  • Sheng, L., Rasco, and M. J. Zhu. 2016. Cinnamon oil inhibited Shiga toxin 2 phage induction and Shiga toxin 2 production in E. coli O157:H7. Applied Environmental Microbiology, 82: 6531-6540
  • Sheng, L., A. Olsen, J. Hu, W. Yue, W. J. Means, and M. J. Zhu. 2016. Grape seed extract regulates virulence factors of CDC “top-six” non-O157 STEC through inhibiting quorum sensing. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 229: 24-32.
  • Zhu, H., M. Du, L. Fox, and M. J. Zhu. 2016. Bactericidal effects of Cinnamomum cassia oil against bovine mastitis bacterial pathogens. Food Control, 66: 291-299
  • Ye, R., C. Zhu, Y. Song, J. Song, S. Fu, Q. Lu, X. Yang, M. J. Zhu, D. Du, H. Li, Y. Lin. 2016. One-pot bioinspired synthesis of all-inclusive protein-protein nanoflowers for point-of-care bioassay: Detection of E. coli O157:H7 from milk. Nanoscale, 8, 18980-18986
  • Ye, R., C. Zhu, Y. Song, Q. Lu, X. Ge, X. Yang, M. J. Zhu, H. Li, D. Du, Y. Lin. 2016. Bioinspired synthesis of all-in-one organic–inorganic hybrid nanoflowers combined with a handheld pH meter for on-site detection of food pathogen. Small, 12: 3094-3100.
  • Wei, T., D. Du, M. J. Zhu, Y. Lin, and Z. Dai. 2016. An improved ultrasensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using hydrangea-like antibody-enzyme-inorganic three-in-one nanocomposites. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 8: 6329-6335.
  • Jiang, T., Y. Song, T. Wei, H. Li, D. Du, M. J. Zhu, and Y. Lin. 2016. Sensitive detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 using Pt-Au bimetal nanoparticles with peroxidase-like amplification. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 77: 687-694.