Kai Zhang

TEAD1 signaling modulates adrenal chromaffin maturation

The paper identifies TEAD1 signaling as a critical regulator of chromaffin cell differentiation and function, and shows that SB699551 modulates this signaling to suppress pheochromocytoma cell proliferation.

Dynamic control of Raf-ERK signaling modulates neuronal activity across biological scales

This study uses opto-miniRaf to show ERK signaling acutely modulates neuronal activity across multiple scales in cultured neurons and intact brains.

Resolving Oligomeric States of Photoactivatable Proteins in Live Cells via Photon Counting Histogram Analysis

This study uses photon counting histogram analysis to quantify oligomerization states of photoactivatable proteins in live cells, revealing light-dependent and -independent oligomerization behaviors.

Modulating inter-mitochondrial contacts to increase membrane potential for mitigating blue light damage

This paper introduces an optogenetic system to modulate mitochondrial membrane potential by forming inter-mitochondrial contacts, showing it mitigates blue light damage in retinal cells and C. elegans.

Optical control of ERK and AKT signaling promotes axon regeneration and functional recovery of PNS and CNS in Drosophila

This study uses optogenetics to activate ERK and AKT signaling in Drosophila, enhancing axon regeneration and functional recovery in both PNS and CNS.

Chromatin accessibility and histone acetylation in the regulation of competence in early development

The paper investigates how chromatin accessibility and histone acetylation regulate the loss of competence to inductive signals during early development in Xenopus laevis.

Swedish Nerve Growth Factor Mutation (NGFR100W) Defines a Role for TrkA and p75NTR in Nociception

This study investigates the NGFR100W mutation in NGF, showing it supports neuronal survival via TrkA but fails to activate p75NTR, distinguishing trophic from nociceptive signaling.