معرفی
Y. Jessie Zhang is a Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, holding the L. Leon Campbell, Ph.D. Distinguished Professorship in the Department of Molecular Biosciences within the College of Natural Sciences. She leads the Zhang Lab, which focuses on transcription processes in eukaryotic cells and the structure-function mechanisms of CTD phosphatases.
Her educational background includes:
- B.S. from Tsinghua University, China (1997)
- M.S. from University of Oregon (2000)
- Ph.D. from The Scripps Research Institute (2004)
Professor Zhang's research focuses on the transcription process in eukaryotic cells, particularly the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II and its post-translational modification states. Her lab investigates how gene-specific regulation is achieved by CTD regulatory enzymes, with specific attention to protein regulation prolyl isomerization states of CTD proline residues. This research examines how these states affect transcription by controlling substrate pools for phosphatases. Her team develops chemical compounds as tools to understand proline isomerization state specificity and creates chemical probes to promote neuron regeneration. Her work bridges structural biology, biochemistry, and molecular mechanisms of gene expression.
Professor Zhang has received significant recognition for her contributions:
- Margaret C. Etter Early Career Award by American Crystallographic Association (2015)
- Professor of the Year (2017)
- NSF Teaching Excellence Award (2019)
As a dedicated educator, Professor Zhang participates in the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Programs, mentoring the next generation of scientists. Her research program integrates structural, biochemical, and chemical approaches to address fundamental questions about transcriptional regulation. She has secured research funding to support her innovative work on CTD phosphatases and their role in cellular processes.
The Zhang Lab serves as a dynamic research environment where interdisciplinary approaches are used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of transcription regulation, with implications for understanding both normal cellular function and potential therapeutic interventions.
