Jack Zhang

I'm a first-year PhD student focusing on molecular pharmacology and drug discovery, particularly in relation to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).

Last year, I completed a Bachelor of Advanced Science at the University of New South Wales with majors in pharmacology and physiology. My Honours project examined the function of atypical amino acid motifs in the orphan receptor GPR146—a GPCR implicated in cholesterol metabolism and atherogenesis. Here I gained proficiency in key experiment methods such as immunoblotting, biotinylation and reporter gene assays.

In my PhD, I have shifted topics into the exciting world of serotonin (my favourite neurotransmitter), working alongside Greg to unravel the puzzle behind the role of serotonin receptors in the antidepressant response. My project aims to investigate their endosomal signalling and trafficking profiles in response to psychedelics.

Psychedelics display remarkable efficacy in treating depression and anxiety but must be administered under supervision due to the potential for hallucinations. Both their hallucinogenic and therapeutic effects are thought to involve various serotonin receptors, but the exact where and how remains elusive. Thus, I am learning various modalities of live-cell imaging and the application of fluorescent proteins to visualise the spatiotemporal profile of relevant signalling molecules. How do cells respond to endogenous serotonin versus psychedelics? What cell cascades are responsible for antidepressant and hallucinogenic effects? Is it possible to design a compound biased towards just one pathway? Answering these questions will help to expedite the development of psychedelic-based therapeutics.

June 2023