Songya Zhang
Papers
1
Total Citations
28
H-Index
1
About
Songya Zhang is a pioneering researcher in synthetic biology and enzyme engineering, with a focus on the directed evolution of cyclodipeptide synthases (CDPSs) for novel bioactive compound production. Her major contribution lies in developing a high-throughput, label-free mass spectrometric screening method that enables rapid identification of enzyme variants with altered substrate specificity. In her landmark 2022 study, Zhang screened 190 possible diketopiperazine (DKP) molecules within a mass window of 115-373 Da, isolating the F186L CDPS mutant that produces cyclo(l-Phe-l-Val)—a product absent in the wild-type enzyme. This work, cited 28 times, demonstrates a robotic approach broadly applicable to engineering enzymes for non-natural product synthesis. By combining directed evolution with advanced analytical techniques, Zhang has established a powerful platform for expanding the chemical diversity of cyclic dipeptides, which are important scaffolds in drug discovery. Her innovative screening strategy overcomes traditional limitations in detecting low-abundance products, offering a scalable solution for biocatalyst development. Zhang’s achievements position her as a rising leader in the field, with her methods poised to accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutics and industrial enzymes.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1