Research Description

Research in Dr. Zhou's laboratory lies at the intersection of bioengineering, biology, and medicine, with the long-term goal of developing novel mitochondrial-targeted therapies. Specifically, his laboratory utilizes genetic animal models and state-of-the-art techniques to explore the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of human diseases. This includes the translation of findings toward developing novel therapeutic interventions, particularly targeting mitochondrial function. Recently, he has developed exciting new optogenetic technologies that, for the first time, allow for dynamic and cell-type-specific control of mitochondrial function both in vitro and in live animals. His laboratory is employing this innovative technology to study how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the progression of heart failure and to develop novel mitochondrial-targeted gene therapies for treating cancers and metabolic diseases.