Lanying Zeng

Lanying Zeng is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at Texas A&M University, where she leads research at the intersection of virology, biophysics, and quantitative biology. Her work focuses on single-cell and single-molecule dynamics of bacteriophage infection cycles, employing high-resolution fluorescence microscopy and mathematical modeling to unravel fundamental mechanisms in viral decision-making processes.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2007)
• Postdoctoral training in Quantitative Biology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2007-2011)

Research Focus: Dr. Zeng investigates cellular decision-making in phage systems, particularly the lysis-lysogeny switch in bacteriophages lambda and P1, and infection dynamics of ssRNA phages. Her lab pioneers quantitative approaches to understand how viruses make fate decisions through cooperation/competition mechanisms, RNA entry dynamics, and host structural impacts like F-pilus detachment. This research bridges fundamental virology with therapeutic applications for multi-drug resistant bacteria.

Publication Trends: Her 2017-2024 publications reveal consistent innovation in single-cell viral dynamics, with increasing integration of super-resolution microscopy and computational modeling. Key themes include phage decision circuits operating at molecular scales, engineering principles of viral-host interactions, and translating basic mechanisms into phage therapy frameworks. Work published in Science, Nature Communications, and PNAS demonstrates leadership in quantitative virology.

Research Group: Dr. Zeng directs an interdisciplinary laboratory that combines advanced imaging, genetic engineering, and theoretical modeling to dissect viral infection cycles, training researchers in quantitative biological approaches while advancing antibacterial therapeutic development.