From deciphering underlying genetic factors of diseases to developing cutting-edge genome technology, our scientists are making impactful discoveries everyday.
Strength in Genetics and Genomics Research
The Department of Genetics has traditional strengths in computational biology and genome science, as well as model organism, evolutionary and human genetics. Recent specialties include neurological disorders, cellular bioenergetics, epigenomics, personalized medicine and genome technology development.
We have established leadership in the following flagship NIH genomic medicine themed projects:
- The Human Pangenome Project (NHGRI)
- The Impact of Genetic Variation on Function (NHGRI)
- The Long Life Family Study (NIA)
- Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues (NIH Common Fund)
- Multi-Omics for Health and Disease (NHGRI, NCI, NIEHS)
- The BRAIN (The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies) Initiative Cell Atlas Network (NIMH)
Within the close-knit research community of Washington University School of Medicine, our scientists are supported by a strong foundation. School of Medicine Facts & Figures
| #2 NIH Funding (2023) | $838.3 Million Research Funding 2022 | 19 Nobel Laureates |
Latest News
Dr. Guoyan Zhao selected for the Hope Center Pilot Grant
Congratulations to Dr. Guoyan Zhao and co-investigator Dr. Hiroko Yano for being selected for the Hope Center Pilot Grant! The project “Identification and validation of drug candidates for repurposing in Huntington disease” will be funded in full $100,000 for the award period of January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026!
Graduate student Emma Casey awarded NINDS Diversity Supplement
Emma Casey, a second year PhD student in the Jin lab has been awarded a highly competitive NINDS Diversity Supplement to work on characterizing and assessing the impact of mitochondrial DNA variations in congenital hydrocephalus. Emma is the first trainee from the Department of Genetics to receive the significant 3-year NIH grant award totaling $225K. Congratulations!
Congratulations to Yung-Chun (David) Wang in the Jin lab for receiving the Center of Regenerative Medicine’s hCTO microgrant
Yung-Chun (David) Wang, PhD, an instructor in the Jin lab was recently awarded the Center of Regenerative Medicine’s hCTO microgrant. This microgrant will support his research into congenital hydrocephalus (CH), a developmental brain disorder characterized by abnormal cerebrospinal fluid accumulation.
Our Research Areas
