Dr. Yali Zhang

Biography

Yali V. Zhang, Ph.D. is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie food preference and intake. He investigates taste transduction and the perception of flavor by exploring how and why animals choose nutrient-rich foods while avoiding harmful options. By employing model organisms like the fruit fly, Zhang’s work seeks to uncover the sensory features of food—such as sweetness, bitterness, and saltiness—and how these interact with physical attributes like texture and temperature to influence feeding behaviors. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, his research integrates genetics, molecular biology, calcium imaging, and electrophysiology to unravel the sensory cells that allow animals to detect food characteristics and the neural circuits in the brain that process these taste sensations to drive feeding decisions. His ultimate aim is to draw parallels between feeding behaviors in insects and mammals, providing insights into human dietary preferences and potential health issues related to obesity and diabetes.

Research Interests