Yi Zhang

Yi Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University. He is also a member of the Cleveland Center for Membrane & Structural Biology and the Molecular Oncology Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, reflecting his interdisciplinary research in cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease.

Education:

• PhD, Peking University, 2015
• Postdoctoral Training, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Dr. Zhang's research lies at the interface of chemistry and biology, focusing on elucidating the molecular basis of cellular pathways important for human health and disease. His work integrates structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology to understand macromolecular structure and function. Key areas of interest include selective autophagy, chromatin biology and epigenetics, and the emerging field of biomolecular condensates formed via phase separation. His lab studies proteins such as p62, p300, MORC3, and MLL4 to uncover mechanisms of regulation, enzyme function, and epigenetic signaling.

The recent publications (2018–2024) highlight a consistent focus on protein structure-function relationships, particularly in epigenetic regulation and phase-separated organelles. His work frequently explores how post-translational modifications, domain interactions, and macromolecular assemblies regulate cellular processes. Keywords across his research include histone modification, ubiquitin signaling, tRNA recognition, and drug-binding site identification, indicating a broad yet cohesive scientific program.

Scientific Contributions:

• Elucidated structural mechanisms of ZZ domains as epigenetic readers.
• Discovered phase separation behavior of MORC3 and p300 in nuclear condensates.
• Revealed how p62/SQSTM1 is regulated in autophagy and immune signaling.
• Defined histone recognition mechanisms by MLL4 and NUP98-PHF23 fusion proteins.

Dr. Zhang actively contributes to scientific methodology, as seen in his protocol for identifying drug-binding sites using NMR. He collaborates widely, often with T.G. Kutateladze and other structural biologists. While specific grant funding and advisees are not listed, his research program is clearly active, publication-rich, and integrated within major cancer and structural biology research initiatives. His lab website indicates ongoing work in developing therapeutic strategies based on mechanistic insights, particularly in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.