Fred Chang

Fred Chang is a Professor in the Department of Cell and Tissue Biology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of cell morphogenesis and cell division, particularly in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Key interests include cytokinesis, cell polarity, microtubule dynamics, and the biomechanical principles governing cellular shape and size regulation.

Research in the Chang Lab addresses fundamental questions such as how cells sense and regulate their shape and size, and how spatial organization is maintained during growth and division. Studies integrate experimental and computational approaches, exploring topics like turgor pressure, cytoplasmic rheology, and the interplay between intracellular density and cell cycle progression. Collaborations with physicists and engineers (e.g., with KC Huang) highlight the interdisciplinary nature of his work.

Laboratory investigations have revealed insights into nuclear size control, the mechanics of bacterial cell walls, and the role of microtubule-associated proteins in cytokinesis. The lab employs advanced microscopy, nanorheology, and computational modeling to dissect these complex biological systems. While no awards are explicitly listed, the high-profile journals (e.g., Nature, Cell, Developmental Cell) where his work appears underscores the significance of his contributions.

Advising and grants are not detailed in the provided text, though his extensive co-authorship list suggests active mentorship of graduate students and postdocs. The Chang Lab serves as a hub for exploring foundational questions in cell biology with implications for understanding developmental and pathological processes.