Yale University · Mathematics & StatisticsThe Genetic Response Lab
Hongyu Zhao · New Haven, Connecticut
Research Focus
The lab directed by Dr. Hongyu Zhao at Yale University focuses on understanding the genetic factors that influence brain responses to substance use disorders (SUD) and HIV. Through advanced statistical methods and single-cell analysis, their research aims to uncover how genetic variations affect molecular phenotypes in different brain regions, which could lead to new insights and applications in clinical settings. The lab also addresses health disparities in genetic risk prediction, emphasizing the need for models applicable to underrepresented populations.
substance use disorderHIVgenetic risk predictionsingle-cell analysisstatistical geneticsBayesian methodsmulti-omic datapopulation healthhealth disparities
Research Aims
5AIM 01Analyze the effects of genetic variants on molecular phenotypes at single-cell resolution in brain regions affected by SUD and HIV.
AIM 02Develop statistical methods for cross-population genetic risk predictions to address health disparities.
AIM 03Integrate multi-omic data to infer gene regulation networks relevant to SUD and HIV.
AIM 04Improve and validate risk prediction models using diverse genetic data.
AIM 05Collaborate with research consortia to disseminate findings and tools for public health applications.
Skills the Lab Values
statistical analysissingle-cell transcriptomicsBayesian modelinggenomic data integrationgene expression analysisepigenomic analysisbioinformaticscomputational biologygenetic variant analysis
Output against the department
Publications1,383top 2% of dept.2nd of 131
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations59ktop 5% of dept.7th of 131
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.