Biological Discovery & Engineering
The Zhang Lab studies biological diversity to discover systems and processes that may be harnessed for the improvement of human health
Cargo
A number of cellular therapeutics and tools for cellular modulation have been developed, such as RNAi and CRISPR-based technologies, providing avenues for genome and transcriptome engineering. We are continuing to expand the CRISPR toolbox as well as taking computational approaches to identify novel enzymes and systems in nature that hold promise for the development of new molecular technologies and therapeutics.
Delivery
Delivery of molecular and cellular tools is perhaps the biggest barrier to widespread adoption of these treatments. Just as we will need to deploy a range of tools to effectively treat various diseases, we will need multiple delivery modes to ensure molecular tools reach the correct tissues and cell types. We are pursuing several lines of research to develop novel delivery approaches, including engineered viral vectors and exosomes.
Improving Human Health
Our end goal is to translate our technologies and knowledge into improved human health, through both therapeutic and diagnostic advances. We aim to create a complete suite of tools for cellular and genetic manipulation that can be used interchangeably with an array of delivery vehicles, offering a flexible, modular platform for precision medicine.
Sound Interesting? Join us!
The Zhang lab is actively seeking staff scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. Contact us if you are interested in joining.
Recent Highlights
August 11 , 2022
Gao, Wilkinson, Strecker, et al. find that bacteria and archaea contain innate immune receptors that recognize conserved viral proteins and prevent infection, extending the paradigm of protein pattern recognition across all domains of life.
March 25 , 2022
Joung et al. use CRISPR activation screens to identify candidates involved in resistance to cancer immunotherapies.
September 9 , 2021
Altae-Tran, Kannan, et al. describe a new class of RNA-guided enzymes, OMEGAs, that are highly abundant, widespread in nature, and can be used for gene editing.