Dr Tianyi Zhang

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

t.zhang.9@bham.ac.uk

Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

The incredible diversity of cell types in multicellular organisms arises from the precise control of gene expression, a process that governs cellular development, identity, and function. Eukaryotes which store DNA in the form of chromatin have evolved an additional layer of control, in which transcription factors (TFs) and chromatin modifying factors shape the chromatin state to activate or repress gene expression. Disruption of these epigenetic mechanisms is a hallmark of many diseases, particularly cancer, where TFs and chromatin regulators are recurrently mutated and epigenetic dysregulation is common even in the absence of genetic alterations. I’m really interested in understanding how gene regulatory and chromatin-based mechanisms control cell fate decisions, and how these processes become rewired in disease.

Scientific Inspiration

Since childhood, my fascination for science has been nurtured by science writers including Stephen Jay Gould, Barry Lopez, Matt Ridley, Alice Roberts and Helen Scales, whose works captured both the beauty of the natural world and the excitement of discovery.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: open, curiosity-driven, and collaborative.

Provision of Training

I will take responsibility for your technical training at the start of your PhD, setting you up for more independence in later years. I expect students to be curious problem-solvers who will take an active role driving your research direction. As this is a young group, I welcome ambitious and independent thinkers who will help shape our lab culture and scientific direction.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I want to work together to establish clear mutual expectations and milestones. We will meet weekly at the start of your project and then as needed as your PhD work progresses. I am invested in your development as a researcher and encourage you to share your ideas, ambitions, and areas in which you would like to grow scientifically.

Communication

I expect you to maintain clear and professional communications with team members, especially when planning work involving multiple researchers. I may send emails at odd hours that are convenient for me, but I don't expect you to respond outside your normal working hours.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per week. These meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and via video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response 1 or 2 days per week.

Work Patterns

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week's notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

How Hematopoietic Transcription Factors and Epigenetic Coregulators Shape Gene Regulatory Networks in Immune Cell Development

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

How Hematopoietic Transcription Factors and Epigenetic Coregulators Shape Gene Regulatory Networks in Immune Cell Development

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Rui Monteiro

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes:

Understanding the Rules of Life (Immunology, Structural Biology)

Project Outline

Transcription factors (TFs) and epigenetic coregulators cooperate to drive gene expression programmes that control cellular development. Ikaros is a hematopoietic TF that plays an essential role in the development of B cell and T cells, white blood cells that are crucial for healthy immune function. Ikaros also acts as a tumour suppressor that is highly mutated in progenitor B and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Previous proteomic and functional biochemical studies from the lab have mapped key Ikaros partners, including the NuRD chromatin remodeller and HDAC complex, factors involved in the formation of repressive heterochromatin, SWI/SNF chromatin remodellers, and HAT coactivators. Several of these novel TF-coregulator molecular interfaces have been elucidated, while others remain to be identified. Moreover, mechanisms of how TFs such Ikaros direct the epigenetic activity of different coregulators to genomic targets with spatial-temporal precision during cellular differentiation remains poorly understood.

The aim of this PhD programme is to 1) uncover the molecular interfaces that mediate these key interactions 2) dissect how Ikaros partners with epigenetic coregulators to shape the chromatin landscape and gene regulatory networks 3) determine the impact of different Ikaros mutants in immune cell development in an vivo zebrafish model. This research project will reveal the molecular workings of a key driver of immune cell development, and in later years explore how other TFs cooperate with Ikaros or utilise similar mechanisms to exert their gene-regulatory functions.

Jointly supervised by Dr. Tianyi Zhang and Dr. Rui Monteiro, this project will provide comprehensive training in biochemistry, molecular biology, proteomics, genomics, and the use of cellular, cancer, and zebrafish model systems. The PhD student will be embedded in a broader research programme supported by Wellcome Trust funding.

Co-supervisor on a project with Dr Guifeng Wei.