UMCUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical School · Mathematics & Statistics
Zhou Lab
Chan Zhou · Worcester, Massachusetts
Research Focus
Dr. Chan Zhou's research focuses on understanding how long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to opioid use disorder (OUD) in the context of HIV. The lab uses advanced techniques to explore the role of these RNA molecules in brain function, particularly in individuals affected by both OUD and HIV. By integrating data from single-cell RNA sequencing, the research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets for improving the health of patients suffering from these disorders.
opioid use disorderHIVlong non-coding RNAssingle-cell RNA sequencingneurocognitive disorders
Research Aims
5AIM 01Identify long non-coding RNAs associated with opioid use disorder and HIV at the single-cell level.
AIM 02Characterize molecular mechanisms involving lncRNAs in brain regions affected by OUD and HIV.
AIM 03Assess the impact of lncRNAs on cognitive and motor functions in patients with co-occurring OUD and HIV.
AIM 04Develop computational frameworks for analyzing lncRNA data in substance use disorders.
AIM 05Use findings to suggest new drug targets for treatment of OUD and HIV.
Skills the Lab Values
RNA sequencingmouse modelsdata analysisbioinformaticsCRISPR/Cas technology
Output against the department
Publications101bottom 14% of dept.113th of 131
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.1kbottom 22% of dept.102nd 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.