Education and Research Positions
2001 – present: Chief Academic Leader, Department of Animal Toxin Structure and Function, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China                                  
1999 – 2000: Academic Leader, South-West basement of “Knowledge Innovation” project, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China                              
1998 – 1999: Visiting Scholar, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, China
1997 – 1998:   Visiting Scholar, Medical College of New Mexico University, USA
1993 – 1995: Post-Doctoral Fellow, Biotoxin Unite of Pasteur Institute, Paris
1987 – 1992: Ph.D., Pasteur Institute, Paris
1980 – 1984: B.S., East China University of Science and Technology, China>

Our group carried out long-term, systemic research on the diversity and the structure-function relationship of proteins and peptides from amphibian and reptile species. Based on the investigations of the structure-function relationship, molecular mechanisms, and biological importance of proteins and peptides from amphibian and reptile species, our results provided useful information and research tools for further scientific research. This information will be particularly relevant to work that focuses on biological adaptation and its molecular mechanisms, the evolutionary characteristics of functional genomic groups, and the molecular mechanisms of human diseases. In addition, our observations provided structure for the development of novel therapeutic drugs. Prof. Zhang has carried out research on the cloning, expression, structure modelling and molecular design of proteins and peptides and on the mechanisms of animal functional proteins and peptides, including enzymatic activity and  ligand-receptor interactions. At present, our research interests focus on two main topics. The first is the construction of venom gland cDNA libraries for representative poisonous animals and the acquisition of 200-300 target cDNA sequences. We also hope to elucidate the structure-function relationship of C-type lectins from Trimeresurus stejnegeri venom, including the determination of its biological activities and an investigation into its platelet membrane target(s). The second is determining the structure-function relationship of skin proteins and peptides from the frog Bombina maxima. The research will adopt traditional biochemical methods to purify skin proteins and peptides from frogs and determine their biological activities.