معرفی
Chao Zhang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Southern California (USC), affiliated with the Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute. He holds a B.S. from Peking University (1998) and a Ph.D. from Princeton University (2004). His research focuses on discovering small-molecule modulators of proteins using structure-based design, organic synthesis, and chemical proteomics. The Zhang Lab explores covalent ligand development for diverse protein targets, including kinases and GPCRs, with applications in drug discovery and translational research.
Research interests include covalent inhibitors for protein kinases, viral proteins (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 protease), and epigenetic modifiers. Key collaborations include the Bridge Institute and Keck School of Medicine. Dr. Zhang’s work has led to innovations in chemical biology tools, such as fluorogenic RNA probes and methods for whole-proteome ligand discovery. His lab has received notable funding, including the NSF Career Award (2015).
- Education:
- Ph.D., 2004, Princeton University
- B.S., 1998, Peking University, China
Publications highlight breakthroughs in covalent ligand design for SARS-CoV-2, kinase inhibitors for cancer (e.g., FGFR4), and mechanistic studies of viral immune evasion. Major awards include the NSF Career Award. The lab actively collaborates with industry and academic partners, training students in chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery.
Advising over 20 graduate students and postdocs, many have pursued careers in academia, industry, and medicine. Notable former students include Ying-Chu Chen (Amgen), Alvin Kung (Cypress College), and Xu Liu (USC safety specialist). Current students include Chau Ngo, Luna Kim, and Yida Li.
The Zhang Lab is part of the broader USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and maintains close ties to the Bridge Institute’s structural biology efforts. Ongoing projects aim to advance covalent modulators for unexplored protein families and combat emerging pathogens.
