Han Zhu PhD

Dr. Han Zhu joined the faculty of the Barbara Davis Center in 2024 and is also a member of the Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology. His research focuses on the development and destruction of human pancreatic β-cells, particularly in the context of type 1 diabetes. He integrates functional genomics tools with human pluripotent stem cell-derived β-cell organoid models to uncover the gene regulatory mechanisms that govern β-cell formation and survival. Using this platform, Dr. Zhu aims to improve the in vitro production of human β-cells and to identify genetic and epigenetic regulators that influence β-cell resilience under diabetic conditions. Ultimately, his research goal is to develop novel therapeutic and prevention strategies for type 1 diabetes.

Dr. Han Zhu Laboratory studies the gene regulatory mechanisms involved in human beta cell lineage specification and functional maturation. The lab integrates high-throughput functional genetic screens, single-cell genomics, and computational analysis pipelines into a stem cell-derived β-cell organoid model to achieve this goal. Additionally, they investigate how human genetics interact with the pro-inflammatory environment in the pancreatic islet during the progression of type 1 diabetes, contributing to the destruction of pancreatic β-cells. 

https://www.zhulabcuanschutz.com/