Anthony S. Zannas

Anthony S. Zannas holds dual academic roles as Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Assistant Professor of Genetics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms linking stress to aging-related diseases, particularly examining how stress-induced epigenetic changes contribute to somatic and behavioral health outcomes. His lab employs translational approaches combining large human cohort analyses with experimental models, using both bioinformatics and wet-lab techniques.

• Affiliations: Department of Psychiatry and Department of Genetics
• Lab Focus: Stress epigenetics, aging, and disease mechanisms
• Key Tools: Single-cell RNA sequencing, epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS), and multi-omic analyses

Research interests include the molecular underpinnings of stress-related conditions, the role of glucocorticoids in epigenetic programming, and the development of epigenetic biomarkers for mental and somatic health. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and mentorship.

Recent studies highlight stress-driven epigenetic changes in immune and neural systems, with implications for PTSD, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. He collaborates widely across military and civilian cohorts to advance understanding of trauma and aging mechanisms.

• Labs/Teams: Zannas Lab at UNC School of Medicine
• Grants: Multiple NIH-funded projects on stress epigenetics and aging