From GWAS to Genomic Medicine
The Zhou Lab employs cross-disciplinary and integrative approaches to translate discoveries from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) into a deeper understanding of lung biology — with a focus on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), and Asthma.
Large genetic studies called Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) have identified many DNA regions linked to chronic lung diseases, but scientists still do not know exactly which genes or cell changes cause these diseases.
Our research program focuses on three major lung diseases — Asthma, COPD, and IPF — which affect millions of children and adults worldwide. These common respiratory diseases are strongly influenced by genetics.
Our lab combines genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and machine learning to move from genetic discoveries to identifying novel drug targets.
Identifying functional variants in GWAS loci and understanding how genetic differences drive COPD pathogenesis at the cellular level through integrative genomics.
Explore COPD ResearchUsing human alveolar organoids and single-cell genomics to model IPF and test potential treatments targeting organelle-level disease mechanisms.
Explore IPF ResearchCharacterizing genetic risk loci for asthma, focusing on how non-coding genetic variants influence gene expression in relevant lung cell types.
Explore Asthma ResearchPioneering the identification of functional variants and novel mechanisms of genes implicated in GWAS loci, bridging the gap between genetic associations and biological understanding.
Learn MoreApplying bioinformatics and machine learning to integrate multi-omics datasets, prioritize disease-causing variants, and predict drug targets.
Learn MoreDeveloping and deploying advanced human alveolar organoid systems to test candidate drug targets for COPD and IPF in a physiologically relevant setting.
Learn MoreMost genetic discoveries never become treatments. The Center for Translational Genomics will address this critical gap — transforming genetic discoveries into real therapies that improve and save lives.
By combining cutting-edge genomics, advanced computational science, and experimental biology, the Center accelerates the path from genetic discovery to biological understanding to new treatments.
Bringing together leading scientists to identify disease genes, study cell mechanisms, and test drugs in advanced organoid models.
Training students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career scientists in translational genomics and emerging data science methods.
Collaborating with academic institutes, pharmaceutical partners, and clinical departments to move discoveries to patient care.
Dr. Anny Xiaobo Zhou leads the launch of UVA's new Center for Translational Genomics, aimed at bridging the gap between genetic discovery and clinical treatment.
Read MoreDr. Anny Zhou, PhD, was recently invited to join the CIC's membership as Drash Professor of Medicine and Director of UVA's Translational Genomic Center.
Read MoreZhou Lab's NIH-supported research continues to pioneer identification of functional variants and novel mechanisms in genes implicated in GWAS loci for COPD and pulmonary fibrosis.
Read MoreA diverse, collaborative group of scientists dedicated to translating genetic discoveries into new treatments for chronic lung disease.
