Menu

Di  Zhang  lab 

at Peking University

header photo

 

Research interest:

Cellular functions are intricately linked with metabolic processes, which not only serve as the source of cellular energy but also act as pivotal regulators of a wide range of physiological activities. Our research team is dedicated to uncovering the intricate mechanisms through which metabolism governs key physiological activities, thereby enabling cellular adaptation.

We employ a multi-faceted approach, integrating traditional biochemical, cellular, and molecular biology techniques with state-of-the-art omics technologies. This comprehensive methodology allows us to explore the nuances of metabolic regulation in depth. We have been at the forefront of identifying novel protein modifications catalyzed by cellular metabolites, including lysine lactylation (mediated by lactate) and lysine β-hydroxybutyrylation (mediated by ketone bodies).

 

Our current research is concentrated on three pivotal areas:

1. Discovery and Functional Analysis of Metabolite-Driven Protein Modifications: We are uncovering and studying new types of protein modifications, shedding light on previously unknown pathways through which metabolites modulate protein functions.

 

2. Regulation of Chromatin Activity by Metabolites: We are delving into the novel mechanisms by which metabolites influence chromatin activity, which in turn affects gene expression and ultimately, cellular fate.

 

3. Role of Metabolic Enzymes in Metabolic Adaptation and Regulation: We are examining new mechanisms involving metabolic enzymes in the context of metabolic adaptation and regulation, enhancing our understanding of the multifaceted role that metabolic processes play in cellular physiology and disease.

 

Metabolism

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolic_pathway; From wiki

 

LactylationNature (2019)

 

pagvolu574page

Nat Chem Biol (2024)

 

     

Professor

Di Zhang

Professional Experience

2021.03 – present  Assistant Professor, 

                               Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
2021.03 – present  Principal Investigator, 

                               Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
2013.09 – 2021.01 Postdoc, 

                               Ben May Department for Cancer Research, 

                               The University of Chicago, USA

 

所获奖励

国家自然科学基金委海外优青

北京大学博雅青年学者

Bayer学者、億方学者

第二十二届青年教师教学基本功比赛一等奖、优秀教案奖、最佳教学演示奖、最受学生欢迎奖、课程思政奖。

 

 

CONTACT

Email: zhangdi@pku.edu.cn

Office Phone: +86-10-62750430

Office Address: Jinguang Life Science Building, Peking University, No.5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, P.R.China    100871

Peking University homepage:

http://www.bio.pku.edu.cn/homes/Index/news_cont_jl/17/1080.html

Personal Homepage:

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=vU5Sz28AAAAJ&hI=en