University of California-San Diego · PharmacologyZhang Signaling Lab
Jin Zhang · La Jolla, California
Research Focus
Dr. Jin Zhang's lab at UC San Diego focuses on understanding the complex signaling pathways in cells, particularly how they regulate crucial processes like growth and metabolism. The research explores the mechanisms behind cancer cell behavior and the role of specific proteins, such as cyclic AMP and protein kinases, in controlling these processes. By developing innovative imaging technologies and biosensors, the lab aims to uncover how disruptions in these signaling pathways contribute to diseases like cancer and diabetes, with the goal of sparking new therapeutic approaches.
cAMP signalingcancer signalingprotein kinasessignal transductionliquid-liquid phase separationbiosensorscellular architecturedrug developmentobesitydiabetes
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how cAMP signaling regulates cell growth and metabolism.
AIM 02Develop innovative biosensors to visualize protein interactions in live cells.
AIM 03Elucidate the mechanisms behind cancer cell signaling dysregulation.
AIM 04Explore the functional significance of biomolecular condensates in signaling pathways.
AIM 05Facilitate the development of new cancer therapeutics through novel assay technologies.
Skills the Lab Values
live cell imagingbiochemical assay developmentWestern blottingprotein purificationmolecular cloningfluorescence microscopykinase activity assaysdata analysis in Rcell culturesuper-resolution microscopy
Output against the department
Publications601top 7% of dept.32nd of 462
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations19ktop 19% of dept.87th of 462
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.