Xin Zhang, PhD

After graduation from Peking University with a bachelor’s degree in physics, Dr. Zhang became fascinated by the exciting research in life sciences and decided to study molecular biology at Johns Hopkins University. Under the guidance of Dr. Robert Schleif, Dr. Zhang worked on the arabinose operon in Escherichia coli and investigated how transcriptional factors interact with RNA polymerase to tightly regulate gene expression. This background prepared Dr. Zhang for the more complex mechanisms of gene regulation in mammalian systems during postdoctoral training in Dr. Richard Maas’ Laboratory at Harvard Medical School. Combining mouse genetics and biochemical approaches, Dr. Zhang dissected the transcriptional enhancers of Pax6 in mouse embryonic development and identified that Meis homeodomain proteins are direct upstream regulators of Pax6 in lens induction. Through this experience, Dr. Zhang developed keen interests in vision research and decided to devote his future career in studying eye development.

Dr. Zhang began his scientific journey as a student of physics, which has left an indelible mark in his scientific approach. The goal of physics is to reveal universal laws that underlie the tremendous diversity of the physical world. It does so by studying the minutest components of physical objects and by formulating theories that can explain precise measurements of their properties. This reductionist approach inspires Zhang to pursue biological mechanisms at a fundamental level, rather than simply describing overt phenomena. Dr. Zhang also endeavors to combine biochemical studies with cell biology and mouse genetics, the latter provides the most rigorous test of our models in the context of the whole living organism. In essence, Dr. Zhang aims to study “in vivo cell biology” to identify the precise molecular cascades that govern embryonic development.

Dr. Zhang has mentored undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, many of them have obtained fellowships and career development awards including Knights Templar career-starter research grant and NIH K99 Pathway to Independence Award. He is committed to training next generation investigators in biomedical research.