By mapping colonization-associated genes across nearly 290,000 human gut microbial genomes, we uncovered distinct ecological strategies for microbial persistence and found that inflammatory bowel disease selectively reshapes this colonization landscape.

Shu Jeffrey Zhu

Aug 26, 2026

Nature Microbiology

Behind the Paper

When a vitamin A metabolite puts the brakes on virus-driven inflammation

In severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus infection, systemic inflammation is associated with depletion of all-trans retinoic acid. Our study shows that restoring this metabolite restrains AP-1-driven cytokine production through an RXRα–PPARγ–c-Jun axis in macrophages.

Shu Jeffrey Zhu

Jul 22, 2026

Nature Communications

Gut Microbiota Collection

Behind the Paper

How gut bacteria team up to heal the gut – a story of two papers

Shu Jeffrey Zhu and his team have published two companion papers in Nature Communications: one on the IPA‑PPARα‑HMGCS2‑BHB axis (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69341-z) and one on the BC‑ILA‑IPA‑HOPX⁺ reserve stem cell axis (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-70062-6).

Shu Jeffrey Zhu

Apr 22, 2026

Shu Jeffrey Zhu (He/Him)

What helps a gut microbe stay?

When a vitamin A metabolite puts the brakes on virus-driven inflammation

How gut bacteria team up to heal the gut – a story of two papers