Jin Zhang

Jin Zhang is a Professor holding joint appointments in the Departments of Pharmacology, Bioengineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). He also affiliates with the Moores Cancer Center and the BioPAC (Bio-optical Probe Advancement Center). His research focuses on understanding the spatiotemporal regulation of cell signaling pathways, particularly protein kinases and phosphatases, using innovative approaches like genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors, superresolution imaging, and mathematical modeling.

Key research areas include the cAMP/PKA, Ca²+/calcineurin, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, and AMPK pathways, with applications in energy metabolism, axon development, insulin secretion, and tumorigenesis. The lab develops advanced tools such as activity biosensors, magnetic labeling strategies, and super-resolution imaging techniques to map biochemical activity architectures in living cells.

BioPAC, a collaborative initiative co-founded by Zhang, aims to advance optical probe development and instrumentation to address biological and medical questions. His work bridges disciplines like biochemistry, biophysics, and engineering, emphasizing real-time visualization of signaling dynamics in native cellular contexts.