Zhao Zhang

Zhao Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Center for the Genetics of Host Defense at UT Southwestern Medical Center. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and NAFLD. He completed his B.S. in Biotechnology at Shandong University (2008), Ph.D. in Developmental Biology at Chinese Academy of Sciences (2014), and postdoctoral training under Dr. Bruce Beutler at UT Southwestern. His lab investigates the dynamic regulation of KBTBD2, novel BTB domain proteins, and genetic factors influencing energy balance. Key contributions include identifying the 'teeny' metabolic syndrome linked to Kbtbd2 mutations and securing an NIH K99/R00 award.

Research interests span Hedgehog signaling in developmental contexts, genetic screens for metabolic regulators, and translational strategies for therapeutic intervention. Recent work highlights GPR75's role in obesity regulation via primary cilia and OVOL2's dual role in thermogenesis and adipogenesis. Awards include the NIH Pathway to Independence Award (2017).