Overview
The Zhou lab focuses on the elucidation of the structure and dynamics of protein–protein and protein–ligand interactions and their functions in various cellular processes. Our current efforts are directed at enzymes and protein complexes involved in bacterial membrane biosynthesis, translesion DNA synthesis, co-transcriptional regulation, and host-pathogen interactions. Our investigations of these important cellular machineries have led to the development of novel antibiotics and cancer therapeutics, as well as the establishment of new biotechnology adventures.
The Zhou lab integrates a variety of biochemical and biophysical tools, including NMR, X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and enzymology. The lab has played a major role in the development and application of innovative NMR technologies, including high-resolution, high-dimensional spectral reconstruction techniques.
Current Duke Appointments & Affiliations
Recent Scholarly Works
DENV-4 infection suppresses transcription of DNA repair genes.
Journal article Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · August 11, 2026 The molecular mechanisms behind Dengue virus-dependent host pathogenesis, especially genome instability, remain largely unclear. This RNA virus causes a debilitating disease during active infection and presents future risks of postdengue syndromes, leukemi ... Full text Link to item CiteMESH1-mediated coenzyme A degradation drives ferroptosis sensitivity and muscle pathology.
Journal article J Clin Invest · June 1, 2026 CoA facilitates fatty acid synthesis, energy production, gene regulation, and antioxidant function. While CoA biosynthesis is well characterized, the mechanisms governing CoA degradation remain poorly understood. Here, we identify the Metazoan Homolog of S ... Full text Open Access Link to item CiteMESH1 regulates sulfation through the hydrolysis of PAPS.
Journal article Nat Chem Biol · April 16, 2026 Full text Open Access Link to item CiteRecent Grants
LpxH Inhibitors as Novel Therapeutics Against Multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030Interferon-inducible cell-autonomous immunity to cytosolic bacterial pathogens
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2024 - 2028Inhibiting Rev1-mediated DNA translesion synthesis for cancer therapy
ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Cancer Institute · 2024 - 2028View All Grants