Y. George Zheng

Y. George Zheng, Ph.D., serves as the Panoz Professor of Pharmacy within the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy. His academic leadership contributes to the institution's recognition as a top-15 pharmacy program nationally, with research spanning epigenetic mechanisms and therapeutic development.

Dr. Zheng's work centers on epigenetic enzymology, specifically protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) and histone acetyltransferases (HATs). His laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms of histone modifications—including methacrylation, benzoylation, and acetoacetylation—and develops chemical probes targeting enzymes involved in cancer pathways and viral replication. Research integrates chemical biology, structural analysis, and high-throughput screening to translate basic discoveries into therapeutic strategies for leukemia, neuroblastoma, and infectious diseases.

Analysis of his recent publication record reveals sustained innovation in epigenetic drug discovery, with emphasis on PRMT enzyme regulation, novel histone mark characterization, and antiviral agent development against SARS-CoV-2 methyltransferases. His work demonstrates consistent methodological advancement in assay design and inhibitor screening, establishing foundational knowledge for targeting epigenetic dysregulation in disease.

Dr. Zheng holds the distinguished Panoz Professorship, an endowed chair recognizing exceptional scholarly contributions to pharmaceutical sciences.

While specific mentoring details are not enumerated, Dr. Zheng actively guides graduate researchers in the Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences program. His externally funded laboratory employs interdisciplinary approaches to dissect epigenetic mechanisms, with grant support enabling cutting-edge instrumentation for biochemical and cellular studies.

The Zheng laboratory maintains a dynamic research environment focused on elucidating biological functions of emerging histone modifications and advancing targeted epigenetic therapeutics toward preclinical validation.