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
Collaborative Study Led by Graduate Student Reveals New Discoveries on Rare Disease
A new study led by WashU graduate student Shujuan Zhao, co-mentored by Dr. Sheng Chih (Peter) Jin, Assistant Professor of Genetics and Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, and Dr. Kristopher T. Kahle, Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, sheds light on new genetic mutations related to the disease and validations of the identified genes in mouse and zebrafish models. This collaborative work was recently published in Nature Communications.
Detailed cell maps of the human brain bring new treatment possibilities
In Yang Eric Li’s newly published paper in Science, A comparative atlas of single-cell chromatin accessibility in the human brain, he and his colleagues revealed the largest maps of the human brain, uncovering new information that was never available before.
Genetics professor receives R01 grant (Links to an external site)
Guoyan Zhao, PhD, recently received her first R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a milestone achievement. WashU Medicine has risen to No. 3 among U.S. medical schools in total NIH research funding support.