معرفی
Wei-Chen Chang is an Associate Professor and the LORD Corporation Distinguished Scholar in the Department of Chemistry at NC State University. His research focuses on understanding enzymatic transformations in natural product biosynthesis, particularly those involving non-heme iron enzymes. He employs interdisciplinary methodologies including molecular biology, biochemical assays, and organic synthesis to explore reaction mechanisms and apply findings to drug discovery and chemo-enzymatic synthesis strategies.
Education:
- Ph.D. Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin (2011)
- B.S. Chemistry, National Taiwan University (2003)
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Chemistry at Penn State University (2015)
Research Interests:
Chang’s lab investigates enzyme-catalyzed C-C and C-N bond formations, substrate selectivity in oxyfunctionalization reactions, and the mechanistic roles of iron-and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenases. Key projects include decoding the chemical logic behind unusual enzymatic reactions like isonitrile formation, cyclopropanation, and epoxidation, with a focus on their application in synthesizing therapeutically relevant molecules. Recent work highlights the discovery of novel enzymes and their roles in creating bioactive compounds such as antibiotics and anticancer agents.
Recent Trends in Publications:
His articles emphasize mechanistic studies of iron-dependent enzymes, particularly their ability to perform stereodivergent reactions and form non-canonical bonds. Key themes include substrate positioning effects, ferryl intermediate chemistry, and enzyme reprogramming for synthetic purposes. Contributions span diverse systems like Mycobacteria/Streptomyces biosynthesis, polyketide assembly, and lignan production, underscoring a focus on bridging enzymology with synthetic biology.
Scientific Awards:
- 2020 ACS Academic Young Investigator
- Thomas Lord/LORD Corporation Distinguished Scholar
Advising & Grants:
- Advises graduate students (e.g., Madison Davidson, Tzu-Yu Chen, Lide Cha) and postdoctoral researchers.
- Grants and funding support his lab’s exploration of enzyme mechanisms and applications in drug discovery.
Labs & Teams:
Chang leads the Chang Lab, a multidisciplinary group advancing enzymatic catalysis research. Collaborations span synthetic organic chemistry, biochemistry, and computational modeling to engineer novel enzymatic pathways and develop sustainable synthetic methods.
