Anny Zhou, PhD, Drash Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Department of Genome Science and Director of UVA’s Translational Genomic Center, was recently invited to join the CIC’s membership. Zhou joined UVA from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School’s teaching hospital in Boston, MA, in December of 2024. Zhou brings over 16 years of experience in translational genomics research in pulmonary diseases and targeting them for treatment.
Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) compare the genetic codes of people who suffer from a particular condition and those who do not. The comparison reveals a subset of genetic variants that determine susceptibility to developing the condition. These studies do not directly identify culprit genes or reveal mechanism how these genes may function in the disease context, however. They do not pinpoint pathways, which of the patient’s cells are affected by the genetic variations, or how to target these genes for treatment. The Zhou lab aims to fill out these connections using integrative and multidisciplinary approaches. They specialize in conditions affecting the lungs—asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pulmonary fibrosis. By describing all the biological steps between a mistake in someone’s DNA and the disease that arises from it, Zhou and her team turn biostatistical associations into molecular insights that can lead to new treatments for the most prevalent lung diseases.
“I’m an ambitious person,” says Zhou. “I want to see the end product of our work benefit patients.” To that end, Zhou has launched an early-stage business venture, G2Q, based on her research portfolio. She is also excited to be embedded in the collaborative research ventures at UVA, including the CIC. In fact, it was CIC member Jie Sun, PhD, who initially encouraged Zhou to explore a move to UVA. She is excited to join the CIC community and expand her research network. The Zhou lab seeks an MD-PhD student to join the team, and interested parties should contact Zhou for additional information.