Q&A with Fan Zhang
Published March 20, 2024, by Judith Van Dongen
Fan Zhang spent more than a decade exploring different research topics before landing in the lab of WSU professor of pharmaceutical sciences Jiyue Zhu as a postdoctoral research associate. Now a research assistant professor, Zhang studies the molecular mechanisms of cancer and aging, hoping to contribute to scientific advances in those two areas.
What exactly do you study and why?
My research is focused on the mechanisms that underlie telomere length and telomerase regulation. Telomeres are DNA sequences at the end of each chromosome that protect our cells. They are like an aging clock—their length is shortened every time a cell divides. So as people age the telomeres in their cells become progressively shorter. However, in certain types of cells—such as cancer cells—telomeres do not shorten as cells replicate. This is because a gene known as telomerase maintains their length, making them immortal. By studying human telomerase regulation and telomere length in humans and mice, we can potentially identify new ways to treat cancer and aging-related diseases.
What is your educational and work background?
I received a bachelor of science in biotechnology and a master of science in botany from Zheijang University in southeastern China. After that, I left the area to gain work experience. First, I did drug development work in the research department of Shanghai Fudan-Zhangjiang Bio-Pharmaceutical Company in Shanghai, China. Next, I worked as a research assistant at Hong Kong University of Science Technology, where I conducted research related to CFTR in lung cells. Lack of the CFTR gene causes cystic fibrosis, a disease that damages lungs and other organs due to a buildup of sticky, thick mucus. Then for a short time I went back to Zheijang University, where I helped my master’s degree mentor to manage a project that involved genetically modifying rice to create more stress-tolerant varieties. Finally, I completed my PhD at Zheijang University, where I studied neurogenesis in fruit flies. Neurogenesis is the process by which neurons are generated from neural stem cells. That piqued my interest in cancer research because when the mechanisms that control neurogenesis fail cells can become cancerous.
When did you join WSU and what attracted you here?
My PhD mentor had encouraged me to explore different fields to help me open my mind to new ideas and different ways of looking at research questions. After completing my PhD, I wanted something a bit different. Dr. Zhu was recruiting at the time, so I joined his lab in 2014. I started out as a postdoctoral research associate, was a research associate for a few years, and was finally promoted to research assistant professor last year.
What are you working on currently?
With funding support from the National Institute on Aging, Dr. Zhu and I have spent the last four years developing a mouse model with a telomere length that is very close to that of humans. Mouse models are used to study fundamental research questions related to human health. However, there are huge differences between human telomeres and mouse telomeres. Mouse telomeres are five times as long as those in humans, even though mice have a lifespan of only two years. For that reason, study results in mice don’t necessarily reflect how things work in humans, which limits the usefulness of mouse models in studying telomeres and telomerase. To address this problem, we have developed a mouse with humanized telomerase regulation that is very close to how telomerase works in the human body. We have written up a paper on it that has been published as a preprint. Our next step is to conduct longevity studies in which we will compare the lifespan of mice with humanized telomere length to that of wild-type mice. We hope to show that mice with humanized telomeres will show age-related diseases at an earlier age than wild-type mice.
In another project funded by the U.S. Department of Defense Defense Health Agency, we are using our new mouse model as the basis for developing a melanoma mouse model with humanlike short telomeres. This new model will help us better understand the mechanisms of melanoma development in humans, which can lead to better prevention and treatment of melanoma skin cancer.
I’m also a co-investigator on another grant awarded to Dr. Zhu by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences that looks at the molecular mechanisms of telomerase regulation during development.
Has anyone been especially helpful to you in your research career so far?
Dr. Zhu has been very helpful. He’s a good mentor. The same goes for Xiaohang Yang, the mentor who oversaw my PhD research project in China. Also, at different times there have been a lot of people who have helped me get familiarized as I pursued different fields in different cities.
What do you enjoy most about working at WSU?
I love my coworkers. They are very open and collaborative. We work well as a team. I’ve also enjoyed the strong support I have received from research service center staff on campus. They’re always ready to lend a hand if you need help.
What are you most proud of achieving so far?
I am especially proud of our mouse model. I was selected to give an oral presentation on it during the 2024 Allied Genetics Conference held earlier this month, which was a great opportunity to share our work with other scientists in the field.
What do you like to do when you are not in the lab?
Spokane has a lot of beautiful lakes and mountain scenery, so I enjoy hanging out with friends and taking photos. I also practice tai chi, a Chinese martial art that is a popular form of gentle exercise. My tai chi practice group meets every weekend. During the warmer months, you can find us outside in Manito Park.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.