The Zhang lab is interested in how epigenetic modification-mediated dynamic changes in chromatin structure affects gene expression, stem cell reprogramming, germ cell development, beta-cell generation, and drug addiction. In the past decade, the lab has worked on a number of projects that span many aspects of epigenetic modifications that include: 1) ATP-dependent nucleosome-remodeling and deacetylase complex NuRD; 2) various histone methyltransferases, including PRC2 (EZH2) and DOT1L; 3) various histone demethylases such as JmjC family demethylases; 4) histone H2A ubiquitin E3 ligase PRC1; and 5) the Tet family of 5-methylsytosine dioxygenases. Build on the past 15 years of success, the lab has developed and adapted new technologies to meet the new challenges.

The lab is using cutting-edge technologies, such as live cell imaging, protein depletion in developing oocytes, single-cell RNA-seq and RRBS, to understand the role of dynamic changes DNA methylation and histone modifications in regulating gene expression during early embryogenesis, germ cell development, stem cell reprogramming (iPS and SCNT), cancer drug resistance, beta-cell regeneration and neurogenesis. The available rotation projects include:

1) epigenetic mechanism of cancer drug resistance;

2) mechanism of pluripotency and totipotency conversion;

3) mechanism of iPSC generation and SCNT-mediated reprogramming;

4) CpG island chromatin formation;

5) Role of Tet and 5mC oxidation products in differentiation and brain function.