Yan Zhang

Yan Zhang, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orofacial Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). His research focuses on bioengineering functional human ameloblasts to address enamel regeneration and tooth repair. He leads efforts to reprogram non-dental epithelial cells using transcription factors and regulators critical for enamel formation.

Education & Training:

• Postdoctoral Studies, Graduate Division, UCSF
• Clinical Fellowship in Microbiology, UCSF

Research Interests: Dr. Zhang’s work bridges molecular biology and bioengineering to regenerate dental tissues. Key areas include:

• Reprogramming adult dental mesenchyme to enhance differentiation guidance
• Direct transdifferentiation of non-dental epithelial cells using transcription regulators
• Overcoming apoptotic mechanisms limiting enamel regeneration

Labs & Teams: His research integrates interdisciplinary approaches in molecular biology, stem cell engineering, and tissue regeneration, contributing to UCSF’s PhD in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences program.