Dr. Zhang’s long-term goal is to decode genetic events and molecular interactions of biological processes, and rigorously represent the complex molecular behaviors with mathematical models. We use advanced high-throughput technology and robust stochastic models to obtain the systematic picture of a biological process. Multiple types of omics data, such as microarray, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, lipidomics and proteomics are collected through innovative study designs in animals and humans, and are modeled for integrative analysis. Using embryonic mouse as a model system, one of our current focuses is to untangle the spatial and dynamic gene-gene interaction networks during heart development, and illustrate how environmental factors introduce adverse molecular changes and morphological defects. We are also investigating the transgenerational epigenetic variations carried from overweight mother to the offspring, and how the change of lifestyles would prevent childhood obesity.

1. Wang L, Sens DA, Garrett SH, Zhang K, Somji S, Voels B (2017) The unique C- and N-terminal sequences of metallothionein isoform 3 (MT3) mediate growth inhibition and vectorial active transport in MCF-7 cells transfected to express MT3. BMC Cancer, 17(1):369. PMID: 28545470
2. Zhou L, Liu J, Xiang M, Olson P, Guzetta A, Zhang K, Moskowitz I, Xie L (2017) Gata4 potenitates second heart field proliferation and Hedgehog signaling for cardiac septation. PNAS 114(8):1422-E1431. PMID: 28167794
3. Xie L, Zhang K, Rasmussen D, Wang J, Wu D, Roemmich NJ, Bundy A, Johnson WT, Claycombe K (2017) Effects of prenatal low protein and postnatal high fat diets on visceral adipose tissue macrophage phenotypes and IL-6 expression in Sparague Dawley rat offspring. PLoS One, 12(1):e0169581. PMID: 28141871

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