Feng Zhang

Fzhang at summit

Feng Zhang is a Chinese-American biochemist and geneticist renowned for his pioneering work in the field of genome editing. He is a core member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, an investigator at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research, and a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Early Life and Education

Feng Zhang was born in Shijiazhuang, China, and moved to the United States at a young age. He attended Des Moines Central Academy and later graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa. Zhang earned his B.A. in Chemistry and Physics from Harvard University in 2004. He then pursued his Ph.D. in Chemical and Systems Biology at Stanford University, where he worked under the guidance of Karl Deisseroth.

Career and Research

Feng Zhang is best known for his contributions to the development of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, a revolutionary tool for genome editing. His work has significantly advanced the field of genetics and has numerous applications in biomedicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.

CRISPR-Cas9

Zhang's research on CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) and the associated protein Cas9 has enabled precise editing of DNA in living organisms. This technology allows scientists to add, remove, or alter genetic material at specific locations in the genome. Zhang's work has been instrumental in demonstrating the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 for therapeutic applications, including the treatment of genetic disorders.

Optogenetics

In addition to his work on CRISPR-Cas9, Zhang has made significant contributions to the field of optogenetics. This technique involves the use of light to control cells within living tissue, typically neurons, which have been genetically modified to express light-sensitive ion channels. Zhang's research in optogenetics has provided valuable insights into the functioning of the nervous system and has potential applications in the treatment of neurological disorders.

Awards and Honors

Feng Zhang has received numerous awards and honors for his groundbreaking research, including:

• The National Science Foundation's Alan T. Waterman Award
• The Gabbay Award
• The Canada Gairdner International Award
• The Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science

Personal Life

Zhang is known for his dedication to mentoring young scientists and fostering innovation in the field of genome editing. He continues to lead a research team at the Broad Institute and collaborates with researchers worldwide to advance the understanding and application of genetic technologies.

See Also

• CRISPR
• Genome editing
• Optogenetics
• Broad Institute
• McGovern Institute for Brain Research