Zhang Group

The Zhang Group develops theoretical and computational approaches to elucidate the structure-dynamics-function relationships of the genome. Using a combination of statistical mechanics, computational modeling and bioinformatics approaches, we aim to achieve predictive modeling of the genome's three dimensional organization and function.

Understanding genome function is one of the grand scientific challenges of the 21st century. This challenge lies not only in the structural and spatial complexity of the genome’s organization, resulting from the coordinated action of many different components, but also in the dynamical complexity of genome organization, encompassing processes that occur over different time scales, ranging from nanoseconds to hours, to exquisitely regulate the function of the genome.

Via developing novel theoretical and computational approaches, we aim to build a global framework of the human genome that connects its sequence with structure and activity, and to enable quantitative and predictive modeling of genome structure and function.