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Research Highlight

ZHANG lab's research mainly focuses on mechanistic basis of synapse formation and plasticity. We recently discovered that both postsynaptic densities at excitatory and inhibitory synapses and presynaptic active zones are formed via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). We strive to understand implications of LLPS-mediated synapse formation in neuronal functions. We are also actively working on why mutations of genes encoding synaptic proteins can cause various neuronal diseases including psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Our studies of phase separation in neuronal synapses also shed light on functions of membraneless organelles in cells in general.


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Both excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic densities are formed via phase separation.

Presynaptic bouton organizationis governed by phase separation.

Phase separation has general implications in cell biology.

Molecular basis underling DISC 1-mediated neurogenesis.

Research

Neuronal Structural Biology

Biochemical and structural basis of important biomacromolecular complexes in nerve signal transduction.

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Synaptic Molecular Biology

 Molecular mechanisms of synaptic generation, maturation, and plasticity

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Phase Separation In Nervous System

Molecular mechanism of the occurrence and regulation of phase transition and phase separation of biomacromolecules.

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Selected PUBLICATIONS
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ALL PUBLICATIONS
  • 2024
  • 2023
  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • Before 2010
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MEMBERS

Mainly engaged in structural biology,
Biochemistry and
Molecular biology research.

Mingjie ZHANG

Kerry Holdings Professor of Science
Director of Center for Systems Biology and
Human Health
Chair Professor, Division of Life Science
Member of Chinese Academy of Science

  • 2020 Winners

    Tan Jiazhen Life Science Award

  • Elected in 2011

    Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences

  • 2003 Winners

    Croucher Foundation Outstanding Scholar Award

Zhang Mingjie | Born in Ningbo, Zhejiang in September 1966

Mainly engaged in structural biology,
biochemistry and
molecular biology research.

· Structural biologist,
· Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,
· Founding Academician of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences,
· Kerry Science Title Professor, Division of Life Sciences, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Dean of the School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China,
· Dean of the School of Life Sciences, SUSTech.


In 1988 graduated from Fudan University;

In 1993 he obtained a doctorate degree from the University of Calgary, Canada;

In 1995 he joined the Department of Biochemistry, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and served as assistant professor, associate professor and professor successively;

In 2003 won the Hong Kong Croucher Foundation Outstanding Scholar Award;

In 2011 he was elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences;

In 2015 he was elected as a founding member of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences.